Matthew 10:42

"He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 10:42, Jesus is teaching about the importance of hospitality and recognizing divine messengers. The original audience, first-century Jews, would have been familiar with the idea that those who welcomed prophets or righteous individuals were considered to be extending a form of hospitality to God himself, as these individuals often acted on behalf of God. Thus, such acts of kindness would bring spiritual reward, affirming the belief that one’s actions toward others could lead to divine favor and blessings.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 42. These little ones. By these are clearly meant his disciples. They are called little ones, to denote their want of wealth, rank, learning, and whatever the world calls great. They were little in the estimation of the world, and in their own estimation. They were learners, not yet teachers; and they made no pretensions to what attracts the admiration of mankind. A cup of cold water only. Few would refuse a cup of cold water to any man, if thirsty and weary; and yet few would give it to such an one because he was a Christian, or to express attachment to the Lord Jesus.

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