40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple — truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” -NRSV
Hospitality is Welcoming Jesus
Souther Hospitality once was our hallmark and heritage. This means bringing out the lemonade, tea, coffee, or other beverages to have those who come into our homes, that strangers and family feel welcomed and “at home”.. But now days, most people don’t entertain in their homes like southern folks once did. We open a bag of chips, though a frozen pizza bites and hope folks will leave as quickly as they dropped by, that is if we open the door in the first place.
Welcoming the Honest word of the Prophet, Welcoming the Truth
The Prophet has the unique opportunity to speak the bold truth. Disciples are to speak that like a thirsty person enjoys cool fresh water.
Welcoming the least is the greatest reward
Water for the children, in this context, they were likely to last to drink. In our age, children often come before parents. The focus is not so much a family issue in the text, but the call for disciples to take refreshment to the least likely.
What if we spoke the truth, Helped the least likely and did it in Jesus name
We would be disciples. Drink up!
