Rewards:

Matthew 10:40-42 “...Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward...”

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they will be sheep in the midst of wolves.

- family and friends will turn against them.

- they will get the same treatment Christ received.

- no fear, no peace, but rewards?

How do people have the opportunity to receive the Father?

- by receiving those that Jesus sends to them.

- to receive those sent is to receive Jesus is to receive the Father.

What is a prophet’s reward?

- what does a prophet bring? [a prophet presents God to people].

- is that rewarding?

What is a righteous person’s reward?

- Jesus declared the need for righteousness beyond religious externals.

- Jesus proclaimed a blessing on the pure in heart - they shall see God.

- is seeing God rewarding?

Who are the little ones that can be given a cup of cold water?

- the disciples that Jesus sends

Who gets the rewards in this passage?

- people who receive those that Jesus sends to them, and treat them well.

How well are the representatives of Jesus received in America today?

Is the prophet’s reward being enjoyed?

Is the righteous person’s reward being enjoyed?

Why are rewards being lost on a regular basis?