John has understood Jesus’ meaning: they must not look for their own honour but for that of Jesus. When we understand Jesus’ word, however, this does not yet mean that we have already been converted to it. This appears from John’s answer: he recognizes Jesus as the greatest, calling him “Teacher.” Yet he sees Jesus’ disciples also as “greatest.” Otherwise it is impossible to understand what he now says: “We saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” Significant is the fusion of “you” and “we”: how could such a man be helpful to Jesus if he does not respect the group of disciples? True, it is about Jesus’ name, but is not the circle of the twelve inseparably connected with that name? Behind John’s remark is still the question as to who among the disciples is the greatest.¹