Meeting guide · command 43

Rewards

Welcome Jesus' messengers and offer even small acts of care, trusting that the Father notices faithful hospitality.

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Matthew 10:40–42

40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 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. 42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”

World English Bible

As Jesus sends vulnerable disciples, He identifies receiving them with receiving Himself and honors care as simple as a cup of water.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

  1. What does Jesus command?
  2. What does this passage reveal about Him?
  3. Where do we resist this command?
  4. What is difficult or unclear?
  5. Why does Jesus attach such significance to small acts of welcome and care?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Offer one practical act of welcome or refreshment to a disciple engaged in faithful service without seeking recognition.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

Whom did you welcome or refresh, and what did the small act reveal about receiving Jesus?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Jesus, open our homes, attention, and resources. Help us receive your servants and notice the simple care they need.

Teach

Keep reward rooted in identification with Jesus and faithful welcome, not in calculating spiritual payment for good deeds.