Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 18:5

"And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:" — Matthew 18:5 (ASV)

And whoso shall receive one such little child. That is, whoever receives and loves one with a spirit like this child—one who is humble, meek, unambitious, or a real Christian.

In my name. As a follower of me, or because he is attached to me. Whoever receives one who possesses my spirit, and who, because he has that spirit, loves him, also loves me. The word "receive" means to approve, love, or treat with kindness, and to aid in time of need. .

Mark 9:38 and Luke 9:49 add a conversation that took place on this occasion, which Matthew omitted. John told him that they had seen one casting out devils in his name, and they forbade him because he did not follow with them. Jesus replied that he should not have been forbidden, for no one who could work a miracle in his name could readily speak evil of him.

That is, though he did not attend them, though he had not joined their society, yet he could not really be opposed to him. Indeed, they should have remembered that the power to work a miracle must always come from the same source—that is, God. They should also have remembered that he who had the ability given to him to work a miracle, and who did it in the name of Christ, must be a real friend to him. It is probable from this that the power of working miracles in the name of Christ was given to many who did not attend his ministry.