What Jesus Did! 'Receiving Jesus' — Matthew 10:40-41

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

[Jesus continued his warning and instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs."
— Matthew 10:40-41 NLT

Key Thought

While the previous verses have been about the disciples' willingness to stand with Jesus and for him and to proclaim him no matter the hostile odds, these verses and the next one reassure us of Jesus' presence and concern about what happens to us. When people reject us with our message of salvation, we must realize they are not rejecting us, but Jesus. Through his people and through the word of the Bible, Jesus reveals himself. But Jesus goes a step further; he promises that those who welcome messengers of the Good News will be rewarded.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, please help me realize and remember that when I share Christ with others, I bring them your blessing and your salvation through Jesus. Increase my boldness to proclaim the Good News of Jesus in a way that is both truthful and challenging. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 18:5
  • John 12:44-46
  • John 13:20

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 10:40-41 NLT — "Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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