PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10:40-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me.” (Matthew 10:40)
In this chapter Jesus sends out the twelve to the covenant people (10:1,5-6).
They are to extend peace to everyone, and look for a gracious welcome (10:12-14).
These are their own brothers and sisters in Abraham they are coming to.
How they treat them – even the little ones (10:42) – is how they are treating Jesus.
The “little ones” seems to refer to the other disciples, not the twelve.
There were many more following Jesus – woman, children, ‘sinners’, samaritans.
In Mark 9:36-37, Jesus holds up little children when he says these words.
As Jesus followers, how the broader faith community treats you matters.
Even when they disagree with you, or view you as inferior, their response matters.
As Jesus followers, no matter our differences, we belong to Jesus and to God.
How we treat other Jesus followers is a reflection on how we treat Jesus.
It is not surprising when non-Jesus followers reject or persecute Jesus followers.
But if the church cannot be gracious to other Jesus followers, that is a problem.
Are there “little ones” that I am not welcoming and blessing as fellow Jesus followers?
PRAYER
Lord, if I do not welcome and bless other Jesus followers – no matter who they are – I am not welcoming God and you. Help me to grace others as you have graced me!
Receiving and welcoming others is what we/I can do! Hospitality is the key! How can I be more hospitable to others – more open and respectful? Often I don’t want to be – I avoid those outside of my comfort zone. Lord help me to be open and open to your leading – that I may be welcoming to those who do not know you. Help me to be a servant – trusting in your grace to be sufficient so that I might be gracious too!
Being part of the family, His children, loving one another, loving His children., His followers, His disciples. Although we are all different with different gifts we serve the same Lord,. Kids of the Kingdom, that is who we are, members of the family of God, As far as it depends upon me, living in peace with one another.
We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity
May one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
By our love
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news
That God is in our land
We will work with each other
We will work side by side
We will work with each other
We will work side by side
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity
And save each man’s pride
All praise to the Father
From whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus His only son
And all praise to the Spirit
Who makes us one
Make us one, Lord!
Make us one, Lord!