Matthew 10:40-42 Rewards

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." [Matthew 10:40‭-‬42 NASB]

Jesus has been instructing His disciples before sending them out for ministry. He has told them to expect opposition, not only in the short term, but throughout their lives. They will have lies told about them, they will be brought before judges and kings, and some will be killed because of their testimony of Jesus.

He finishes his instruction with a more positive note. Although they will face opposition, the disciples will also be received and welcomed by some.

Jesus is making it clear that whatever is done to a disciple in His name is the same as doing it to Him. If we speak ill of Jesus' representative, then we are speaking ill of Jesus. If we bless Jesus' representative, then we are blessing Jesus.

Jesus said in a parable, "Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’" [Matthew 25:37-40 NASB]

He goes on to explain that the opposite is true. "Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”" [Matthew 25:44-46 NASB]

When we give in support of a ministry, it is as if we are giving to Jesus Himself. In this, I would urge discernment. Jesus also said, "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect." [Matthew 24:24 NASB] He said, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. “You will know them by their fruits." [Matthew 7:15-16 NASB]

Use discernment to support the true ministers of Jesus. Do what you can to help them. It is not the size of the gift that Jesus rewards, but the heart of the giver. Remember the poor widow who was praised for giving more than those who were wealthy, even though she gave only a penny. Give what you can, and you will not lose your reward.