Matthew 10:42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 10:42: "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
This verse rounds out Jesus’ instruction with a concrete, gentle act of hospitality. “Little ones” can refer to vulnerable believers, newcomers, or those who are humble in status. The act is simple but done in the recognition of discipleship. The phrase “in the name of a disciple” elevates the motive: acts done for Jesus’ sake reflect obedience to Him and participation in His mission. Even small kindnesses are counted in God’s ledger of grace.
This verse emphasizes God’s justice and tenderness toward the weak and the humble. It reiterates that every act of mercy toward believers is acknowledged by God, even when the gesture seems small. It also underscores the communal nature of the Christian life: believers are members of one body, and caring for one another is care for Christ and the Father.
Practical example: share a bottle of water with a traveler, invite a newcomer to sit at your table, or offer a ride to someone in need—small, simple acts done in Jesus’ name. These acts reflect a heart tuned to God’s love and can open doors for conversation about faith. The key is intention: do it as an expression of faith in Jesus, not for recognition. The reward is God’s blessing, not human approval.
Cross-References: Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 16:10; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 6:10.