Commentary - Matthew 10:40-42

Bird's-eye view

In this brief but potent conclusion to the mission discourse of Matthew 10, Jesus establishes a foundational principle of His kingdom: radical identification. He forges an unbreakable chain of representation that links the lowliest disciple to the very throne of God. To receive one of His messengers is to receive Him, and to receive Him is to receive the Father who sent Him. This is not mere sentiment; it is a statement of spiritual reality with tangible, eternal consequences. The passage then unfolds this principle, showing how the reception of God's servants, categorized as prophets and righteous men, results in a shared reward. The climax of the passage is the astonishing declaration that even the smallest act of kindness, a cup of cold water given to a "little one" in the name of a disciple, carries with it a guaranteed, imperishable reward. This section solidifies the immense dignity Christ confers upon His followers and the solemn responsibility placed upon those who encounter them.

Jesus is wrapping up His instructions to the twelve before sending them out. He has warned them of persecution and commanded them to fear God, not man. Now, He concludes with the positive side of their commission. Their authority is not their own; they are ambassadors. And the reception they receive is not ultimately about them, but about the King they represent. This passage is a profound encouragement to ministers of the gospel and a serious charge to the church. How we treat Christ's servants is how we treat Christ Himself. The economy of the kingdom is such that no act of faithful service, whether in proclaiming the Word or supporting those who do, will ever be forgotten by God.

Outline

Context In Matthew

Matthew 10 is the second of five major discourses from Jesus in this gospel. It is intensely practical, focusing on the mission of the twelve apostles. Jesus has given them authority, told them where to go (and not to go), and warned them of the fierce opposition they will face. This final section (vv. 40-42) serves as a capstone to these instructions. After detailing the hardships, Jesus provides a profound encouragement by detailing the rewards. The context is one of apostolic mission, but the principles extend to the entire life of the church. The apostles are the first wave, the foundation, but all who follow them as disciples are included in this economy of reception and reward. The language of "prophet," "righteous man," and "little ones" should be seen as describing the various facets of discipleship within the covenant community that the apostles are being sent to establish.

Key Issues

Commentary

40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Here we have the foundational principle of delegated authority, what we could call the great chain of representation. Jesus is not simply sending His disciples out with a good message and a pat on the back. He is sending them out as His authorized ambassadors. To receive them is not just to be kind to a traveling preacher; it is to receive Jesus Himself. This is a staggering claim. The disciples are frail, fallible men, as the gospels make abundantly clear. Yet, in their official capacity as His messengers, they carry His very presence. This is the essence of apostolic ministry. The authority is not inherent in the man, but in the one who sent the man. This is why Paul could say to the Galatians that they received him as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself (Gal. 4:14). This is the dignity of the ministry. But the chain does not stop with Jesus. To receive Jesus is to receive the Father who commissioned Him. This connects the simple act of hospitality shown to a dusty-footed disciple all the way to the throne of the universe. It means that when a door is opened to a faithful missionary, the Father Himself is being welcomed. Conversely, when that door is slammed shut, it is slammed in the face of God the Father. This elevates the stakes of mission and hospitality to the highest possible level.

41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

Jesus now applies the general principle of verse 40 to specific instances. He speaks of receiving a prophet "in the name of a prophet." What does this mean? It means to receive him because he is a prophet, to recognize his office and his message as being from God. It's not about receiving him because he has a winsome personality or because he's a distant cousin. It is to receive him for what he is: a spokesman for God. The one who does this, Jesus says, will receive a prophet's reward. This is a remarkable promise. The person who provides a meal and a bed for the prophet shares in the reward of the prophet's entire ministry. Think of the widow of Zarephath who received Elijah. She shared in the blessing and reward of his prophetic work. God's economy is not individualistic. We are a body, and when one part functions faithfully, the whole body benefits and shares in the honor. The same principle applies to receiving a "righteous man." This is likely a broader category, referring to any faithful disciple of Jesus, one whose life is characterized by covenant faithfulness. To welcome such a person, to show them kindness and support because they belong to Christ, is to participate in their reward. This is a massive encouragement to all those who support the work of the ministry. The person who faithfully prays for the pastor, the family that houses the visiting missionary, the individual who gives financially to the work of the kingdom, they are not second-class citizens. They are co-laborers who will be co-recipients of the final reward.

42 And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

If the previous verse was remarkable, this one is breathtaking. Jesus brings the principle down to the smallest possible act of kindness. The gift is minimal: "a cup of cold water." In that climate, this was a basic but necessary refreshment, something almost anyone could offer. The recipient is described as "one of these little ones." This is not primarily a reference to children, though it would include them. In Matthew's gospel, "little ones" is a term for disciples, particularly those who are humble, unassuming, and without worldly status (Matt. 18:6, 10, 14). Jesus is talking about the rank-and-file believer, the Christian that nobody knows. The condition is the same as before: the gift must be given "in the name of a disciple," that is, because the person is a follower of Jesus. When these conditions are met, the promise is absolute: "truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." The double amen ("truly I say to you") underlines the certainty of the promise. God sees. God records. God rewards. No act of love shown to His people, no matter how small or hidden, is ever wasted. It is an investment in the Bank of Heaven, where the returns are guaranteed and eternal. This verse obliterates any excuse for not participating in the work of hospitality and mutual support within the church. You may not be able to host a prophet for a month, but you can give a cup of cold water. And in the kingdom of God, that counts for eternity.

Application

The implications of this passage are intensely practical. First, it should radically shape how we view ministers of the gospel. We are not to be groupies, fawning over personalities. But we are to honor the office and receive the Word they bring as from Christ Himself. To despise a faithful minister in his office is to despise Christ. To honor and support him is to honor and welcome the Lord Jesus.

Second, this passage is a charter for Christian hospitality. Our homes are not our castles, meant to be defended against all comers. They are outposts of the kingdom, meant to be staging areas for the refreshment and encouragement of the saints. We are to be "given to hospitality" (Rom. 12:13). This is not about entertaining, which is often about impressing people. This is about hospitality, which is about serving people. It is about recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters and serving them accordingly.

Finally, this passage is a profound comfort. Much of our Christian lives are lived in obscurity. The small, daily acts of service, the quiet prayers, the unseen financial gifts, the cup of cold water, none of it is missed by our Father. He is not a hard man, reaping where He did not sow. He is a generous King who delights to reward the faithfulness of His servants. We are not saved by these works, but we are saved unto these works. And every one of them, done in faith for the glory of Christ, will receive its full and glorious reward on the last day. Therefore, do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you will reap, if you do not give up.