Matthew 10:40-42, Rewards

40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Comments

The giving of a cold cup of water was an essential act of courtesy in the Middle East. What was envisioned here was not philanthropy, but the receiving of a disciple by someone else, who then receives the blessing of being receptive to Jesus himself because disciples of Jesus bear his message and authority. Do you consider yourself an image bearer of Jesus with his message and authority?

Prayer

Lord, let us make our way together as I bear your image to others. You lead, and I will follow. Always accompanied by your Spirit, I am never alone.