In the Fulness of Time/Part 66
| By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 |
| Jesus’ discourse in Matthew 10:40-42 concludes with two statements commending those who will be listening to the messages of the Disciples. |
His Commendations. Matthew 10:40-42
In concluding this discourse, Christ makes two statements, commending those who will be listening to the messages of the Disciples.
Receiving Christ’s Disciples. Matthew 10:40.
- Mt. 10:40 “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” In light of what Jesus told them to expect by way of persecution (10:13b-23), it is now His purpose to remind them that they will also meet some who will receive them (as in 10:11-13a). By showing that they receive the apostles, such people obviously welcome the messages about Christ and His claims to be the unique Son, sent from the Father.
Reward for Ministering to Christ’s Disciples. Matthew 10:41-42
- Mt. 10:41-42 “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”
Whether Christ is referring to the past, that is, to how the Old Testament prophets and righteous men were received, or is referring to the Twelve Disciples as prophets and righteous men, He is setting forth a principle: “those who receive” (present participle, dechomenos, “those welcoming”) God’s messengers will receive a reward commensurate with the person they are welcoming. It would certainly be consistent for Jesus to be referring to the Twelve throughout verses 40-42 since they are being commissioned by Him and His Father to proclaim a message directly from God; thus they are prophets. That they are also righteous men should be taken for granted since Matthew 5:20 requires such righteousness of true disciples. Finally, they are His “little ones” (micron) because they are the ones who receive the cup of cold water “in the name of a disciple.” The strong preposition eis can be translated “because” he is a disciple. Such a sincere, simple ministration will not go unrewarded “in the fulness of time!”
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