Matthew 10:42
Read Matthew 10:42 Using Other Translations
What does Matthew 10:42 mean?
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these
little
ones
Our Lord gradually descends from prophets to righteous men, and
from righteous men, to those of the lowest form and class among
them; who have the least measure of grace, and share of spiritual
light, and knowledge; who are outwardly the poorest, meanest, and
most contemptible in the eyes of the world; and are little, even
the least of saints, in their own esteem and account: whosoever
takes notice but of "one" of these, receives him into his house,
and gives him
a cup of cold water only,
is regarded, a phrase used to express the least favour, or
benefit whatever.
``So says F20 Maimonides, one that calls to his friend to dine with him, and he refuses, and swears, or vows, that he shall not enter into his house, nor will he give him to drink, (Nnwu tpj) "a drop of cold water"''Moreover, this is said to prevent any objection, on account of the mean and low condition persons may be in, to their relieving necessitous objects; for everyone is capable of doing this, and if they can do no more, it is accepted. Now whosoever takes notice of, and shows favour to the meanest of Christ's people, though it be but bestowing so small a benefit as a cup of cold water; yet, if it is done
in the name of a disciple,
or because that poor person is a disciple of Christ,
verily,
says Christ,
I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his
reward:
it will be observed another day by Christ, who takes what is done
to the least of his brethren, as done to himself. The Jews say
many things in praise of hospitality, to (Mkx dymlt) , "a disciple of a wise man"; and
observe F21, that he that hospitably entertains
such an one in his house, and causes him to eat and drink, and
partake of the goods of his house, there is reason to believe, he
shall be much more blessed than the house of Obed Edom was for
the ark's sake, which neither ate nor drank with him; and which
may be compared with this passage.
F20 Hilchot Nedarim, c. 8. sect. 10.
F21 T. Bab, Beracot, fol. 63. 2. & 64. 1.
