And whoso shall receive one such little child,.... Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, and aylj Kya, "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy.
Christ's sense is, that whoever receives his disciples, that are meek and lowly, into their houses, or into their hearts and affections; that receives their ministry and message, embraces the Gospel preached by them with readiness and cheerfulness, with faith and love,in my name; on his account, because they are his disciples, believe in him, preach his Gospel, and, as being sent by, and representing him,receiveth me: it is so taken by Christ, as if he was personally present, and personally received, and had all the favours shown to his, done to himself in person; yea, such receive Christ in the ministry of the word, he being the sum and substance of it.