Rewards

Rewards – Matthew 10: 40 - 42

Intro: William Barclay in his commentary on Matthew writes the following story: There was once a cobbler who very much wanted to be a pastor. But, because of career and family demands, he could not follow his dream. He was asked to make a pair of shoes for a new young pastor of his church. He agreed to make the shoes at no charge knowing that as the pastor lead worship and preached the sermon, his reward was that the pastor would be standing in his shoes.

I In this passage from the gospel of Matthew we see the word “reward” used three times in VSS. 41 and 42.

A Our perception of the word reward is a little different. Our understanding of “reward” is usually tied to being given something for returning an item that was lost.

B The word used in these 2 verses is the Gk. word misthos / µ?s???. This is a very common word and it literally means a payment of wages or something earned. When used in the NT it can relate to a reward received in this life or to be received in the hereafter depending on the context.

C The context here translates as 1) something given in return for service or merit, 2) money offered, or 3) profit or return on an investment. For Matthew the word reward usually refers to receiving the kingdom itself.

II What exactly is Jesus attempting to teach his disciples and us is begins in VS. 40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

A The key word is this passage is the word “welcome.” In the Greek the word is dechomai / d???a? which means to receive kindly as a friend / or to accept an offer deliberately and readily.

B Jesus shares a concept that was prevalent during his time. Society at that time believed if you received someone sent by another person or group, you were receiving the person or group doing the sending.

C If we look closely at this verse, Jesus states that if you are welcomed by another he is being welcomed. Not only that, but when you are received in the name of Jesus you are also receiving God. Therefore, discipleship means carrying out and embodying the mission of God and Jesus.

III VS. 42 – “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

A In this verse, Jesus speaks of sharing a cup of water. He isn’t speaking of just sharing a drink with someone. He is talking about sharing ourselves; the practicality of living a Christian life; a life full of relationship with God and our fellow women and men.

B Sometimes, caring for others is more important than caring for ourselves. Jesus challenges his disciples and us to show God’s love through little things.

C Basic acts of kindness that we perform in genuine welcome or receiving someone as we would a friend is all that God asks of us. However, superficial hospitality is an insufficient response.

Concl: The point of this scripture lesson is NOT that you will be rewarded for doing good deeds, but that simple deeds can produce larger results than we expect. Acts of kindness can be contagious. Every day there are situations that simple acts of kindness can help. Ordinary situations can bring extraordinary results. We have the opportunity daily to show the love of Christ through a simple act of kindness as simple as a genuine smile.

John Bowes, the chairman of Wham-O Corporation was the maker of frisbees. He sent thousands of the plastic flying discs to an orphanage in Angola, Africa. Several months later, a representative of the company visited the orphanage. A nun thanked him for the wonderful “plates” that his company sent. She told of how the children were eating off them, carrying water with them, and even catching fish with them. To them, they were much more than a toy. They were a multi-use instrument that made life a little easier. You never know how your act of kindness may affect another human.