Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 10:42

"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward." — Matthew 10:42 (ASV)

These little ones. These clearly refers to his disciples. They are called little ones to denote their lack of wealth, rank, learning, and whatever the world calls great. They were little in the estimation of the world and in their own estimation. They were learners, not yet teachers, and they made no pretensions to what attracts the admiration of mankind.

A cup of cold water only. Few would refuse a cup of cold water to any person, if thirsty and weary; yet few would give it to such a person because he was a Christian, or to express attachment to the Lord Jesus. In bestowing it on a person because he was a Christian, he would show love to the Savior himself; in the other case, he would give it from mere sympathy or kindness, showing no regard for the Christian, the Christian's Master, or His cause. In one case, he would show that he loved the cause of religion; in the other, not.

REMARKS ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 10

1. From the narrative in this chapter, in connection with that in Luke, we are permitted to see the Savior's habits in regard to prayer. An important event lay before him, an event on which, humanly speaking, the whole success of his religion depended—the choice of those who would be his messengers to mankind. He felt its importance; and even the Son of God sought a place of prayer and, during the night watches, asked for his Father's direction. His example shows that we, in great and trying circumstances, should particularly seek God's direction.
2. We see the benevolence of the gospel (Matthew 10:7–8). The apostles were to confer the highest favors on mankind without reward. Like air, sunbeams, and water—gifts of God—they are without price. The poor are welcome; the rich, unaided by their wealth, are welcome also; the wide world may freely come and partake of the rich blessings of the gospel of peace.
3. Ministers of the gospel, and all the followers of Jesus, should depend on the providence of God for support and the supply of their wants (Matthew 10:9–10). He sent his apostles into a cold, unfriendly world, and he took care of them. So all who trust him will not lack. The righteous will not be forsaken. The God who holds in his hand all the pearls of the ocean, the gold in the heart of the earth, and the cattle on a thousand hills, and who feeds the raven when it cries, will hear the cries of his children and supply their wants.
4. We see the duty of treating kindly the messengers of salvation (Matthew 10:11–13). Christ expected that in every city and town they would find some who would welcome them. He promised the reward of a prophet to those who would receive a prophet, and assured those who had nothing better to bestow than even a cup of cold water of his favor. The ministers of religion are sent to benefit the world. It is only right that in that world they should be kindly received and their wants supplied.
5. The guilt of rejecting the gospel (Matthew 10:14–15). It is not a small matter to reject an offer of heaven. A palace, a throne, a mine of gold might be rejected, and, compared with rejecting the gospel, it would be a trifle. But eternal life is not like thrones, gold, and temples. This lost, all is lost. The gospel rejected, all is gone. Neither hope nor happiness awaits the one who has spurned this offer. God requires everyone to believe the gospel; and woe, woe, a greater woe than befell the guilty cities of the plain, to the one who rejects it.
6. Judgment will certainly overtake the guilty (Matthew 10:15). It fell on Sodom, and it will fall on all transgressors. No one will escape. Damnation may slumber long over the wicked, and they may long mock the God of truth; but in due time their feet will slide, and all creation will not be able to save them from woe. How dangerous, how awful is the condition of an impenitent sinner!
7. We are to take proper care of our lives (Matthew 10:23). The apostles were to flee from danger when they could do it without denying their Lord. So should we. Anyone who throws away his life, when it might have been and should have been preserved, is a self-murderer. Anyone who exposes himself when duty does not require it, and whose life pays the forfeit, goes before God "rushing unbid into his Maker's presence," and cannot be held guiltless.
8. We are to persevere in our duty through all trials (Matthew 10:23). Neither the world, nor pain, poverty, persecution, nor death, should appall us. He that endures to the end shall be saved. We have but one thing to do: to do the will of God, to be the Christian everywhere, and leave the outcome with him.
9. God exercises a particular providence (Matthew 10:29–30). He watches the falling sparrow, numbers the hairs of the head, and for the same reason presides over all other things. The Lord reigneth, says the Psalmist, let the earth rejoice, (Psalms 97:1).
10. The duty of making a profession of religion (Matthew 10:32–33). It must be done in the proper way, or Christ will disown us in the day of judgment. It is impossible to neglect it and have evidence of piety. If we are ashamed of him, he will be ashamed of us.
11. Religion is easy and easily tested (Matthew 10:40–42). What is easier than to give a cup of water to a stranger; and what is easier than to know from what motive we do it! Yet how many there are who, while they would do the thing, would yet lose eternal life rather than do it with a view to honoring Christ or showing attachment to him! How dreadful is the opposition of the human heart to religion! How amazing it is that people will not do the slightest acts to secure an interest in the kingdom of God!