# 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. # because he is a disciple "because he is my disciple." Here "he" does not refer to the one giving but to the unimportant one. # 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"