40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”REFLECTIONSWritten by David Ponnuswamy In these verses Jesus is addressing the twelve disciples before he sends them out on mission with his final instructions. It is important to remember that the disciples are first sent to the Jews and not to the Gentiles in this chapter. Later, Jesus sends them to make disciples of all nations.Jesus has given the disciples authority to drive out evil spirits and heal the sick. They are to take the message of salvation to the Jews. This is their first mission.Jesus tells the disciples that if the people receive them, they are also receiving Him. And when they receive Him, they are also receiving the one who sent Him, that is, they are receiving God himself.The people receiving the disciples are doing more than just hosting them for a few days. They are hearing the good news the disciples bring and are accepting Jesus and receiving their reward, the gift of salvation. Their faith in Jesus is accepting the grace provided by God for his people.The reward that Jesus speaks about is eternal life with God in heaven secured by faith in him. A reward that is available to all who accept and believe in Jesus.How do you receive and share Jesus today? Are you warm and welcoming and or has your heart gone cold?QUESTION (for kids)Is there something kind you can do for someone else who follows Jesus today?ABOUT THE AUTHORDavid is a member at our Bossley Park morning congregation.