What matters is not the honour of the disciples, but the salvation of many simple people, insignificant in themselves like a little child. Jesus only asks for faith: acknowledgement of him and his delegates. He is so honoured by the salvation of such simple people that he now warns every disciple not to hinder them.1
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.