Giving others a chance to be a blessing...

Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.

The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward,

and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person 

will receive a righteous person's reward.

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of water because he is a disciple, 

truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

Matt. 10: 40-42

This passage has puzzled me for years.  Why?

Our passage is tucked into a chapter of Matthew where Jesus sends out his Apostles to learn ministry.  The context of the passage includes Jesus giving them a mission with clear instructions (vss. 5-15).  He then promises them they will face persecution (vss. 16-25), but they should not worry because whoever acknowledges him before men He will acknowledge before the Father (vss. 26-33).  Then he concludes with the promise that He came to bring not peace, but a sword (vss. 34-39).  (This is another tough passage!)  His final instructions are included in our passage.  They are a promise that whoever does receive the disciples will get a reward.

In this passage, the controlling verse is 10:40 "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me."  

After affirming that His person and message would cause divisions even within families, Jesus promises that those to receive the truth of His person and message will share in the blessings of God.  In other words, receiving the disciples illustrates folks received their message.

Here is where I find the passage extremely interesting.  Why would Jesus say such a thing?  Somehow, openness to listen means blessings.  It illustrates a heart somehow prepared by God.  A person's attitude toward the messenger illustrates the condition of that person's heart.

What does this mean for us?

Because of our message, we are a blessing to society and to those we talk to about Jesus.  Merely opening our mouth and declaring that we trust in Jesus will allow people to experience a blessing.   I sure wish I would always remember this when I have a chance to testify about what Jesus has done in my life.  I am sure most of you feel the same.

Yes, some will be some will be shocked and dismayed by this testimony.  We should not worry about this fact.  Jesus says fear not for I am with you!  Such a testimony might cause division.  Jesus tells us that such division is part of the game if you wish to be part of the growth of the Kingdom.  As Jesus promises,

"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." 

Matt. 10:38-39.

In other words, why are we protecting our reputation with others and not concerned with being a blessing to others?  We fear the few who reject; and as a result, we rob people of the chance to be blessed by responding to our testimony. 

I can promise you that when we declare who Jesus is with love and integrity, most people respond favorably.  Some do not, but most will listen.  Particularly those who know you!  As they listen with openness, God will call some to faith.  The promise of this passage is that you will be a blessing.  You will be salt and light.  

Do you wish your life to count for something in building the Kingdom of God?  Be open to declaring what God has done in Christ.  Fear not for He will go with you.