Matthew concludes Jesus' missionary discourse not with martyrdom or conflict, but with welcome. As the focus shifts from the disciples who are sent to those who receive them, hospitality becomes a place of encounter with Christ. Even a cup of cold water can become participation in God's kingdom.
Matthew 10:40-42 (5th Sunday after Pentecost) – July 2, 2023
As we continue through this sending passage, we get these final three verses of chapter 10. Now, to different preachers these verses may sound relatively innocuous (and perhaps boring) or they may sound contrary and confusing. Afterall, didn’t Jesus just say that he didn’t come for the righteous but for the sinner? And isn’t a prophet’s reward that of the cross (where he just said they needed to go)?
