Luke 9:46-48 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And there arose a reasoning among them According to our version here, this reasoning, or dispute, happened at the time when Jesus rebuked his disciples for it. But, Mark 9:33, we are expressly told, that it happened as they went into Capernaum. The evangelists, however, may be reconciled by translating Luke's words, εισηλθε δε διαλογισμος εν αυτοις, Now there had arisen a reasoning among them Namely, as they travelled to Capernaum. This kind of reasoning, it may be observed, always arose at the most improper times that could be imagined; which of them should be greatest Thus they clearly manifested their ambitious views, and their carnal, worldly spirit; and how entirely they misunderstood the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world; and Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart For he perfectly knew all that passed within them; took a child and said unto them If you would be truly great, humble yourselves to the meanest offices: he that is least in his own eyes shall be great indeed. For a full explanation of this occurrence, and of our Lord's improvement of it, and lessons taught his disciples on the occasion, see the notes on Matthew 18:1-6; and Mark 9:33-40, where the two next verses also are explained.