January 30, 2026
Matthew 10:38-42 (HCSB)
38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.
A Cup of Cold Water
40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he’s righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple—I assure you: He will never lose his reward!”
T.W. Mitchell
These verses are a mixture of object lessons and epigrams, short statements with powerful meaning. Each time we return to this passage it offers fresh insights. If the electric bill isn’t paid, the power will be turned off. If a professed believer doesn’t follow the Lord, he/she isn’t considered worthy of God’s blessings. A believer who finds fulfillment in pleasure and self-centeredness should not expect His blessings. But those who walk close to God, day in and day out, know God’s blessings are with them. If one is pleasing to Jesus and His Father, He will take care of all the disturbances and distractors. See Hebrews 12:1-2 -Lay aside all hindrances and look to Jesus. Hindrances, disappointments, and distractions can tempt us to disregard our commitment to Him. The Amplified version for Mark 8:34 reads, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as my disciple], he must deny himself, [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross, [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me, [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].
38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.
A Cup of Cold Water
40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he’s righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple—I assure you: He will never lose his reward!”
T.W. Mitchell
These verses are a mixture of object lessons and epigrams, short statements with powerful meaning. Each time we return to this passage it offers fresh insights. If the electric bill isn’t paid, the power will be turned off. If a professed believer doesn’t follow the Lord, he/she isn’t considered worthy of God’s blessings. A believer who finds fulfillment in pleasure and self-centeredness should not expect His blessings. But those who walk close to God, day in and day out, know God’s blessings are with them. If one is pleasing to Jesus and His Father, He will take care of all the disturbances and distractors. See Hebrews 12:1-2 -Lay aside all hindrances and look to Jesus. Hindrances, disappointments, and distractions can tempt us to disregard our commitment to Him. The Amplified version for Mark 8:34 reads, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as my disciple], he must deny himself, [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross, [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me, [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].
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