Peter Barnes | Matthew 10:40-42
SERMON NOTES
RECEIVING OUR REWARD
1 Kings 17:7-24; Matthew 10:40-42
– there is a descent in terms of prominence – from apostles in v.40 to the prophets and righteous ones in v.41 to the little ones in v.42.
1. To receive the apostles is to receive Christ.
– 10:40; in the negative, see Ex.16:8 and 1 Sam.8:7.
– 1 John 4:6; John 17:6.
2. To receive a prophet is to receive a prophet’s reward.
– 10:41; the prophet could be the same as the righteous man but probably not (see Matt.13:17; 23:29-31)
– 1 Kings 17:12-16, 24; 2 Kings 4:8-17, 22; 2 Tim.1:16-18
– we are not prophets but can be treated as such
3. The smallest deed of kindness to Christ’s little ones will be rewarded.
– 10:42; J. C. Ryle: ‘There is something very beautiful in this promise.’
– Mark 12:42; the anonymous Chinese farmer who spoke for baby Helen Stam in 1934