What rewards are promised for receiving a prophet or righteous person? Setting Matthew 10:41 in Context • Jesus has just commissioned the Twelve, warning of persecution yet promising divine care (vv. 5-42). • Verse 41 follows His call to hospitality toward His messengers (vv. 40-42), revealing that how people treat His representatives is how they treat Him (cf. Luke 10:16). Key Text “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41) What It Means to “Receive” Receiving = welcoming, supporting, honoring, partnering (cf. 3 John 5-8). • Not mere civility, but practical aid—food, lodging, financial help, affirmation. • It is an act of faith that acknowledges the servant’s divine commission (cf. 2 Kings 4:9). The “Prophet’s Reward” • Shared in the fruit of the prophet’s ministry (1 Samuel 30:24; 1 Corinthians 3:8). • God’s tangible provision now (1 Kings 17:13-16; 2 Kings 4:14-17). • Eternal honor for advancing God’s revelation (Daniel 12:3; Revelation 22:12). The “Righteous Person’s Reward” • Partnership in righteous deeds (Philippians 4:17). • Present blessing—peace, favor, answered prayer (Psalm 34:15-19). • Future inheritance in the kingdom (Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 6:10). Old-Testament Snapshots of the Principle • Widow of Zarephath welcomed Elijah → unending flour & oil; son raised (1 Kings 17:8-24). • Shunammite couple built a room for Elisha → promised child; later resurrection (2 Kings 4:8-37). • Rahab sheltered Israel’s spies → spared from Jericho’s judgment, grafted into Israel (Joshua 6:17, 25). New-Testament Reinforcements • “The one who plants and the one who waters are one, but each will receive his own reward according to his labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8) • “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.” (2 John 1:8) • “Great is your reward in heaven” for suffering with the prophets (Matthew 5:12). Temporal and Eternal Dimensions • God often attaches immediate blessing, yet the ultimate reward awaits the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). • Rewards are not wages for salvation—grace saves—yet faith-motivated deeds are remembered (Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:6). Practical Takeaways Today • Welcome faithful Bible teachers, missionaries, pastors, and righteous believers with open homes and wallets. • Align with their gospel mission; God credits fruit to both messenger and supporter. • Expect God’s provision now and applause in eternity—He never overlooks even a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42). |
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