Lukas 9:48

9:48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes ¹  this child ²  in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.” ³ 

Lukas 15:18

15:18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned ⁴  against heaven ⁵  and against ⁶  you.

[9:48]  ¹ tn This verb, δέχομαι (decomai), is a term of hospitality (L&N 34.53).

[9:48]  ² sn Children were very insignificant in ancient culture, so this child would be the perfect object lesson to counter the disciples’ selfish ambitions.

[9:48]  ³ tn Grk “among you all, this one is great.” The absence of a comparative term here makes the point that comparison should not be done.

[15:18]  ⁴ sn In the confession “I have sinned” there is a recognition of wrong that pictures the penitent coming home and “being found.”

[15:18]  ⁵ sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God.

[15:18]  ⁶ tn According to BDAG 342 s.v. ἐνωπιον 4.a, “in relation to ἁμαρτάνειν ἐ. τινος sin against someone Lk 15:18, 21 (cf. Jdth 5:17; 1 Km 7:6; 20:1).”