# Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes instructing his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach.

# Whoever gives

"Anyone who gives"

# one of these little ones

"one of these lowly ones" or "the least important of these." The phrase "one of these" here refers to one of Jesus' disciples.

# in the name of a disciple

"because that disciple" or "because he knows that that person is a disciple." That is, the one who welcomes will receive the reward because he knew that the person he was welcoming was a disciple.

# truly I say to you

"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

# he will ... his reward

Here "he" and "his" refer to the one who is giving.

# he will in no way lose

"God will not deny him." This has nothing to do with having a possession taken away. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly give him"