Sermon: Expect A Prophet’s Reward

Sermon: Expect A Prophet’s Reward

Scripture Lessons: Matthew 10:1, 16, 40-42 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease”

16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

40-42 “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Introduction: Jesus shares that when someone receives one of His disciples, they are really receiving the Messiah and God who sent the Messiah. And He talks about the rewards one can expect for receiving prophets, righteous men, and giving cups of cold water to little ones in the name of a disciple. How can we be sure that we will receive the prophet’s reward? We do as Jesus instructed. We receive a prophet “in the name of a prophet.” We receive faithful teachers and preachers of the Word of God with open hearts and teachable spirits, not only will we be blessed, but we can expect a prophet’s reward. Only what we Do For Christ will last!

Jesus was sending out his 12 disciples to advance the kingdom of God, to share the good news of the gospel and he gives them some instructions on what to look for, what to watch out for and how they will be sustained and encouraged.

Jesus positioned His disciples for success. He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manners of sickness and all manners of disease. They would be advancing the kingdom of God in a sick world. Then Jesus described their disposition for ministry, Jesus sent you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Not only they to advance the kingdom of God in a sick world, but advance the kingdom of God in a dangerous environment. Their protection would be the wisdom of God and a meek and quiet spirit. Finally, Jesus assures his disciples that some will receive them and support them. Those who receive them are really receiving Him. The Jews already believed to receive a person’s envoy (messenger) was the same as receiving the person himself. The Jews felt that to honor a person’s representative was the same as to honor that person whose representative he was. This is a principle more Christians need to understand.

That is, when I honor God’s delegated authority, we are honoring God because He is the one who has established every authority. So, when I dishonor them who am I dishonoring? God.

The word “receive” in the original language means to take up, to grant access, give ear to, to sustain with an attitude of love and support for Jesus’ sake, God’s sake and His Mission’s sake in the world in that way we honor God. Think of it this way, when I receive a person or when I honor that person, I receive the same kind of blessing in my own life. Jesus speaks for a prophet’s reward, a righteous man’s reward, and the reward of His least disciples without position or rank. Anyone who receives and honor a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.

This teaches us a couple of things. Even though I am sending you to advance the kingdom in a sick, hostile world you will have good success and secondly, whatever you do for Christ and His kingdom will be rewarded. I don’t have to be a prophet to receive a prophet’s reward, all I have to do is receive (honor) God’s prophet. When you honor others you put their needs, wants, and cares above your own, There is a promised reward that cannot be lost. I believe Jesus makes this promise because He understood the difficulties of Ministry in a fallen world. He realized the need for faithful supporters along the way. There are numerous New Testament passages about blessing the work of God. It is good, and right and needed.

Galatians 6:6-10 “Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings, if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”