Charles Spurgeon 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)

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.

There have been times, even in our own country, when to give "a cup of cold water" has meant running the risk of suffering death. In the dark days of persecution, some who were called heretics were driven out into the fields in the depth of winter to perish from the cold, since the king's subjects were forbidden, on pain of death, to give them anything to eat or drink.

Now, in such a case, giving "a cup of cold water" would mean far more than if you or I simply gave a cup of water to someone who happened to be thirsty. But our Lord Jesus Christ here promises to reward anyone who, for his servants' sake, will dare to risk any consequences that may befall them.

He looked away from the apostles to some of the least and youngest of those who followed Him, and He declared that the very least kindness shown to them should have its reward. There may be a sea of warm love in a cup of cold water. Much loyalty to the King may be expressed by little kindnesses to His servants, and perhaps more by kindness to the little ones among them than by friendship with the more prominent people. To love a poor and despised child of God for Christ’s sake shows greater love to Christ than if we love the honorable, amiable, and rich members of His Church.

Acts of love are divinely estimated rather by motive than by measure. A cup, and that of cold water, may mean as much from one as a banquet from another. Cold water has a special value in a hot climate, but this text makes it precious anywhere. Giving refreshment may be made a choice means of fellowship with holy men, if we give it because they are disciples, and especially so when persecuting governments make it a punishable offense to help the saints in any way.

Though every kindly deed is its own reward, yet the Lord promises a further reward. What we give for Christ’s sake is insured against loss by the promise of the text, by the Verily, I say unto you, which confirms it, and by the use of the negative in no wise, which shuts out all possibility of its being otherwise.