Jesus wanted to be alone with his disciples, teaching them what was extremely important, spelling out for them in no uncertain terms his impending betrayal, death and resurrection. This was the second time that Jesus foretells his passion. Instead of showing him some support and sympathy they were discussing along the way with one another about who was the greatest! When asked what they were discussing they were silent. Jesus sits and called the twelve. Sitting is a posture of the teacher. To visualise the instruction Jesus puts a child in their midst and teaches them that in welcoming the little one they welcome him and that in his kingdom the first must be last, the lord must be the servant of all. Only the truly great can be little!