Jesus tells his disciples to go on the road to announce the nearness of heaven’s culture and bring healing. They are to travel emtpy handed, carrying nothing but his authority and relying on the hospitality of strangers for food, clothing and shelter. The following words are the culmination of these instructions. We often assume this passage is about offering hospitality to others: but read carefully and in context, we see it’s as much about receiving as giving.
- READ: Matthew 10:40-42 (Year A Proper 8)
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet because they are a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a just person in the name of a just person will receive a just person’s reward; and 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. (My translation)
- REFLECT: What word or phrase jumps out? Do you ever think of yourself as a prophet, a just person, or a little one? As an ambassador for Christ?
- RELATE: When have you been welcomed by others and sensed Christ? When have you welcomed others and glimpsed Christ? Talk about it.
- RESPOND: Is God calling you to any practical response now? Pray about it, then act.
- REPORT: If you or your household do take action, text or email a photo of that action to Sanctuary with a brief explanation. We can use it during the service or, with your permission, add it to the Facebook page.
- RELAX: For older children, teens and adults: You might like to watch Sister Act (PG), currently on Disney+. Who is welcomed? What effect does this have on those doing the welcoming? Where is Christ in this story?
Cartalk / Tabletalk © Sanctuary, 2020. Year A Proper 8. Image credit: Analise Benevides on Unsplash.
Cartalk / Tabletalk
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