Wednesday, October 22

24But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

25Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

26since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

27For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

30because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

44But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 'Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.'

45But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

46Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.

47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,

48and said to them, 'Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.'

49Now John answered and said, 'Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.'

50But Jesus said to him, 'Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.'