Matthew 10:41

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

 

He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. Matthew 10:41

 

“The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus said, “The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’” In a similar manner, He now steps down the level of reception, saying, “The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive.”

 

This is obviously referring to a true prophet of the Lord. Although the reciprocal could still hold true. Someone receiving a false prophet, if taken in and accepting of his message, will eventually receive the false prophet’s same fate. But that is not the intent here.

 

Of the prophet, in the Old Testament, he was the highest form of believer in God, having a word issued from God through Him. Although not necessarily an ambassador, he is one who speaks the word of the Lord. In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is specifically said to be a prophet of God. Moses notes he is a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:18.

 

In receiving such a person, there is an acknowledgment that what the prophet receives, the person will also receive. Although Jesus is probably referring to the reception of rewards in the next life, it is a truth that accompanied some in their earthly lives.

 

In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath received Elijah. In turn, she received a supply of food during the drought that consumed the land. In Jeremiah 39, Ebed-Melech tended to Jeremiah the prophet, and the Lord promised to deliver him during the terrible siege upon the city.

 

Likewise, in Jeremiah 45, Baruch the scribe was given words of assurance from the Lord for his faithfulness to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. As for a later prophet’s reward, meaning at the resurrection, one is recorded in Daniel 12 –

 

“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13

 

Based on Jesus’ words, it can be assumed that those who are saved and raised at the resurrection, and who received Daniel, would receive a similar inheritance. Next, Jesus says, “And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive.”

 

This is another step down the ladder, going from the prophet to the righteous. The categories are set, just as they are in the list given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This demonstrates the wisdom of God in apportioning out His gifts and His grace in various ways.

 

As for the righteous, the Bible, even during the times of the law, identifies them as those who are of faith. This is made explicit in Hebrews 11, where those of faith are spoken of as righteous. Rahab the harlot received the spies and received her reward because of that. As in the prophet, it can be assumed that this truth goes beyond this life, though.

 

Those who receive the righteous, holding to their standard themselves, will receive the resurrection of the righteous and what it entails. Jesus is making a point about rewards. This thought will continue in the next verse.

 

Life application: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says –

 

“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

 

One reason for Jesus’ word is certainly that a person who has entered the kingdom of heaven, meaning that which is promised through the Messiah, has received all of what has been spoken of since the beginnin