We have seen that on a certain occasion Christ replied to those who asked, |why his disciples did not fast,| &c., that |the time had not yet come.| But a new epoch was now approaching; and he himself gave his disciples another rule, and taught them what they lacked to fit them, by further abstraction from the world and earnest collectedness of heart, for their high calling.

Although Christ had directly discountenanced, in his conversations after the return of the Apostles from their trial mission, the sensuous expectations which they entertained from his Messiahship, still the ideas on which their hopes were founded were too deeply rooted it their hearts and minds to be readily eradicated. With these was connected, partly as cause and partly as effect, the self-seeking which tinged their relations to the kingdom of God. This same feeling was manifest in their conversation on the way back to Capernaum from their northern tour; they disputed among themselves on the journey about their relative activity in the service of their Master, and who among them should hold the first place in the kingdom of God.

After their arrival at Capernaum, Christ asked them the subject on which they had disputed by the way, intending that the very shame of answering his question might make them conscious how unworthy of disciples such a dispute had been. This end being answered, he did not directly reprove them further; but in a few words, made impressive by a vivid illustration, he set before them the worthlessness of their contention, and its utter antagonism to the spirit which must rule in the kingdom of God. Taking a little child, he placed him in their midst, and said, |Let this child, in its unassuming ingenuousness, be your model; he among you that is most child-like and unassuming, that thinks least of himself and his own worth, he shall be greatest (shall be of most importance to the kingdom of God).| Then, embracing the child, he added, |Whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.|

The truth herein expressed, though different from the other, is yet akin to it; and both rebuke the strife for precedence, the disposition to dwell upon one's own merits, and set a false value upon actions as great or small. It is not merely what a man does that makes his action worthy, but the spirit in which he does it. The deed in itself may be great or small; its worth depends upon its being done in the name of Christ and for his sake. And this spirit is pleasing to God, for our actions can only be referred to Him by means of our relation to Christ.

The principle thus announced by Christ struck at the root of the contention among the disciples. Their false emulation could have no place, if their actions, whether great or small, were alike in value, if alike done in the name of Christ; and to magnify themselves, or their claims, would have been absurd in view of such a rule of action.