John Calvin Commentary Matthew 18:5

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

And he who receives such a child. The term children is now applied metaphorically by Christ to those who have set aside arrogance and who conduct themselves with modesty and humility.

This is added as a consolation, so that we do not consider it troublesome or disagreeable to exercise humility, through which Christ not only receives us under His protection but also recommends us to the favor of others.

And so believers are taught how they should esteem each other: it is by everyone humbling himself. How is mutual friendship usually maintained among the children of the world, except by each person complying with the wishes of another?

The more eager a person is to obtain renown, the more insolently he grasps for power, so that he may be raised to a high position and others may be ridiculed or despised. But Christ instructs that the more a person humbles himself, the more highly he will be honored.

This is also the meaning of the words given by Luke, he that is least among you shall be great; for our Lord does not instruct us to think more highly of those who justly deserve to be despised, but of those who rid themselves of all pride and are perfectly willing to occupy the lowest place.