Matthew 10:40

Commentary on Matthew 10:40 KJV

Matthew 10:40 is a profound statement by Jesus Christ to His twelve disciples, whom He was commissioning for their first significant missionary journey. It encapsulates the principle of identification: how one treats the messenger reflects how one treats the sender.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed instructions and warnings to His apostles as He sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 10:7). The preceding verses discuss the challenges they would face, including persecution and rejection, but also the assurance of divine care. In this immediate section, Jesus turns to the reception they would receive. After warning them that some would reject them (Matthew 10:14), He offers encouragement by stating the profound spiritual significance of those who *do* receive them. This verse sets the stage for the principle of receiving a prophet or righteous person, promising a reward for such hospitality.

Key Themes

• Divine Representation: The core message is that the disciples are not acting on their own authority. They are direct representatives of Jesus Christ. To welcome them is to welcome Him. This concept is further extended: to welcome Christ is to welcome God the Father who sent Him. This highlights the absolute authority and backing behind the disciples' mission.
• Spiritual Identification: Jesus establishes a direct spiritual link between Himself, His messengers, and God the Father. This principle of identification is crucial for understanding the seriousness with which one should respond to God's genuine representatives and His message. It's a powerful affirmation of the legitimacy and divine origin of their ministry.
• Reward for Hospitality: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Matthew 10, particularly Matthew 10:42, implies that those who show hospitality and acceptance to God's messengers are participating in the divine mission and will receive a spiritual reward.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "receiveth" is dechomai (δέχoμαι). This word signifies more than just physical acceptance or allowing someone into your home. It implies a welcoming, an embracing, and an acceptance of the person's message and authority. It suggests a receptive heart and mind, acknowledging the legitimacy of the one being received. This deeper meaning underscores the spiritual significance of the act described by Jesus.

Related Scriptures

• A parallel passage emphasizing this same principle is found in Luke 10:16, where Jesus tells the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."
• This concept is also echoed in John 13:20, where Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." This reiterates the deep connection between the Father, the Son, and those sent by the Son.
• The profound unity between Jesus and the Father, which underpins this statement, is further elaborated in Jesus' profound statement, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father".

Practical Application

Matthew 10:40 holds significant implications for believers today:

• For Receiving Ministry: It challenges us to consider how we receive those who genuinely proclaim the gospel and serve God's people. To reject a faithful minister of Christ is to reject Christ Himself and ultimately the Father. Conversely, to welcome and support such individuals is seen as welcoming the Divine. This encourages Christian hospitality and respect for legitimate spiritual authority.
• For Those in Ministry: This verse serves as both an encouragement and a sober reminder. It reminds ministers, missionaries, and teachers that their authority is not their own but derived directly from Christ and the Father. This should inspire confidence in their divine commission while also fostering humility, ensuring they faithfully represent the One who sent them.
• For Responding to the Gospel: Ultimately, this verse underscores the seriousness of one's response to the good news of Jesus Christ. When the gospel is presented through His messengers, it is Jesus Himself speaking, and through Him, God the Father. Our reception of the message and the messenger determines our reception of God Himself.