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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 10:40 - 10:42
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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_10:40-42
40"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41He 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. 42And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."
Mat_10:40-41 "He who receives you receives Me. . .a prophet. . .a righteous man" The context seems to imply that Jesus is referred to personally by all three of these terms. The term "prophet" alludes to Deu_18:15; Deu_18:18. The term "righteous man" equals "the Righteous One" of Act_7:52 and possibly the Dead Sea Scrolls phrase "teacher of righteousness."
Jesus' radical new message was directed to those who would trust Him and His words. One must first repent and receive Him as their savior and hope. In so doing they become identified with the new spiritual kingdom of God. The disciple represents Jesus Himself and His message, therefore, whoever receives them and their message, receives Jesus and to receive Jesus is to receive the Father (cf. Joh_8:19; Joh_16:3; Joh_17:3; 1Jn_2:23; 1Jn_4:15; 1Jn_5:1; 1Jn_5:10-12; 2Jn_1:9). One cannot know or fellowship with the Father except through the Son (cf. Joh_14:6-11).
▣ "sent" See Special Topic below.
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Mat_10:42 "gives to one of these little ones" Loving help by one Christian should be given to another simply because they are both related to Jesus Christ. "Little ones" are not children, but new believers (cf. Mat_18:6).
▣ "Truly" See Special Topic at Mat_5:18.
▣ "reward" The Bible is replete with statements concerning the Christian's reward. These rewards are based on the Spirit's activity in believers and their yieldedness to His activity. However, in the bountiful grace of God believers will be rewarded for their Christ-like yieldedness and the effective operation of the Spirit working through their spiritual giftedness! See Special Topic at Mat_5:12.
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