Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 18:1

"In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" — Matthew 18:1 (ASV)

The question we have sometimes heard asked in other forms, "Which is the highest office; which form of service will have the greatest honor?" As if we were courtiers and were to take our positions according to precedent.

He spoke of His abasement, they thought of their own advancement, and that “at the same time.” How different at the same moment the Teacher and the disciples! The idea of greatness, and of more or less of it for each one, was interwoven with their notion of a kingdom, even though it might be “the kingdom of heaven.” They came to Jesus, but how could they have the audacity to ask their lowly Lord a question so clearly alien to His thought and spirit? It showed their trustfulness, but also displayed their folly.