Today’s devotion is 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 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.
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.”
Matthew 10:40-42.
Here are two quotes from Calvin’s Commentary on these verses:
“He is not speaking here about receiving the doctrine, but about receiving the men. The latter meaning, I admit, arises out of the former, but we must attend to the design of Christ. Perceiving that this was exceedingly adapted to support their weakness, he intended to assure them that, if any one would receive them in a friendly manner, and do them kind offices, he would be as highly pleased as if their benevolence had been exercised towards his own person; and not only so, but that in such a sacrifice God the Father would smell a sweet savor, (Genesis 8:21.)
He who receiveth a prophet He begins with the prophets, but at length comes down to the lowest rank, and embraces all his disciples. In this manner he commends all, without exception, who truly worship God and love the gospel. To receive a person in the name of a prophet, or in the name of a righteous man, means to do them good for the sake of honoring their doctrine, or of paying respect to piety. Though God enjoins us to perform offices of kindness to all mankind, yet he justly elevates his people to a higher rank, that they may be the objects of peculiar regard and esteem.” (Emphasis added.)
Here is the link to the full Commentary by Calvin on these verses –
Bill’s Comments:
These verses present not only a reward but a warning. Verse 40 presents the warning: “ “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” Do we want to receive Christ, the Son of God, and God the Father? Then, we better be receptive to receiving and being kind to His disciples.
The following verses clearly state the reward.
One could argue that there is no duty or reward to receive a person who does not possess the correct doctrine, and there is some truth to that position. However, we need to be careful and not use it as an excuse which could exclude just about everyone except our small group.
Who possesses perfect doctrine? Are these verses calling for strict narrow judgment tending to exclude or for liberal broad reception tending to include?
The answer is the latter. The presence of varying people with different statures shows that Christ intends us to be liberal and broad in receiving all of His people, including the full range of His people varying from prophet, righteous man, to even little one. Moreover, the inclusion of a little one, who would not possess perfect doctrine, should also encourage us to be liberal and broad in receiving all of God’s people.
The fact that we could err and receive and be kind to a heretic or unbeliever should not deter us. In the same chapter, Jesus deals with such a situation. “As you enter the house, give it your greeting. “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.” Matthew 10:12-13. We can adjust.
In conclusion, be particularly kind to God’s people. Be liberal and broad in receiving and being kind to all of God’s people. Thank you.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 