Matthew 10:40-42 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 10:40-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 40"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Verse 41Whoever 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; Verse 42and 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."
Devotion
The Doomsday clock stands at 90 seconds to midnight. The risk of a nuclear chain reaction leading to nuclear war is higher now than at any time during the First Cold War. In these words from Matthew, Jesus describes a different chain reaction—one that leads to life and peace and wholeness instead of the death and destruction of nuclear war. Jesus is instructing the twelve as he prepares to send them out on a mission. Here he shares what will happen when they are welcomed. The chain reaction begins with a welcome. And having welcomed the disciple, the host receives not only the disciple but the one who sent him as well! Jesus shows up in the welcome, and beyond that with the welcome comes also the one who sent Jesus! Hospitality opens the door to new possibilities. In the welcome, in opening the door, a chain reaction begins that leads to life and the presence of Jesus—and the presence of God.
Prayer
God of grace, save us from ourselves and our lust for war. Release a chain reaction of love and service through your body, the church, and usher in your welcome of peace. In Jesus name. Amen.