What Jesus Did! 'Cup of Water' — Matthew 10:42

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

[Jesus concluded his warning and instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."
— Matthew 10:42 NLT

Key Thought

Little things, insignificant things, are used by Jesus to make huge differences. A cup of cold water is such a wonderful thing when you are thirsty, away from home, and need some time to rest and reflect. A gift of a cup of cold water is so powerful if it is offered in Jesus' name, is shared to honor him, and is given to bless others out of thanks for Jesus' grace. In such circumstances, a cup of cold water is much more than a drink; it becomes a holy gift given to the Lord himself.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, help me notice more things, both small and large, that I can do to bless others and serve them as I would serve the Lord himself. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
  • 1 Peter 3:8-9
  • Luke 13:30

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10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Reward Guaranteed!
Illustration of Matthew 10:42
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 10:42 -- And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Matthew 10:42 niv
Sweet Gracious Relief!
Article by Phil Ware
When is the last time someone brought you refreshment? A kind friend can bring refreshment to the parched soul of another friend.
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Can I live up to my purpose? Teresa Bell Kindred shares some ideas about New Year's resolutions and living for others.
Untold Stories: Onesiphorus — The Refreshing Gift of Friendship
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What can I do that really matters to the Kingdom of God? Phil Ware begins a short series on Untold Stories from the Bible and shares the story of Onesiphorus refreshing Paul while he was in prison.
See All 10 Related Resources about Matthew 10:42

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 10:42 NLT — [Jesus concluded his warning and instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

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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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