Mateus 10
William Hendriksen · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 10
Hendriksen - To deny Him means to repudiate Him, to refuse to acknowledge Him as one’s own, to disown Him. In the second clause of each member of this fine illustration or antithetic parallelism, i.e., in verses 32b, 33b, Jesus promises to confess before his Father in heaven those who have confessed him, and to deny before him those who have denied him. When Jesus confesses a person he claims him as his own and pleads his cause. That this intercessory activity which he as Mediator performs began already during his earthly ministry is clear from such passages as Luke 22:31, 32; John 17:6–11, 15–26. That he is continuing it now is taught in 1 John 2:1. That he will acknowledge his own on the judgment day is clear from 25:34–36, 40. That, in a sense not exactly the same as in 1 John 2:1, he never ceases this work in their behalf, in fact that he not only continues to intercede but “ever lives to make intercession for them,” is the comforting truth expressed in Heb. 7:25. On the contrary, that before the Father in heaven He will deny, disown, repudiate those who will have persisted in their denial of him, having never repented of their evil conduct, is taught in Mt. 7:21–23; 25:41–43, 45. For those who during the day of grace repent of their sin there is forgiveness and restoration (Luke 22:62; John 21:15–17) (Borrow Gospel of Matthew page 472)
Mateus 10
Hendriksen - “He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet.…” The meaning, then, is this: He who welcomes a prophet—not necessarily one of The Twelve but anyone who has the right to proclaim God’s truth—and does this not merely out of considerations of politeness or cordiality but very definitely because he regards this messenger to be a prophet indeed, and therefore in welcoming him wishes to welcome his Sender, shall receive the same reward as if he, the welcomer, were himself a prophet. Lest there be any misunderstanding, as if the reward of grace and glory would be granted only to those who welcomed a specially commissioned messenger, Jesus adds, and he who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person shall receive a righteous person’s reward. Here again for “because he is” the original has “in the name of.” The explanation is similar. The reward is promised because in the man who knocks at his door the welcomer recognizes “a righteous person,” that is, one who practices the true religion. The man who devotes his life to the performance of the urgently necessary and eminently noble task of providing lodging for, cooperating with, and encouraging God’s traveling children is promised the same reward as are those whom he befriends. (Borrow Matthew) Warren
Mateus 10
Hendriksen - With a term of endearment Jesus speaks about “one of these little ones,” one who acknowledges his dependence on him and reposes his trust in him. To the world this disciple may be a nobody, insignificant in fame and fortune. Nevertheless, anything that is given to such a disciple is by Jesus regarded as if given to himself. The gift may be as inexpensive as a cup of cold water. It is not the gift as such but rather the motive that matters (Mt 25:35, 37, 40; cf. Heb. 6:10). If it be given to the little one “because he is a disciple” the reward will not be lacking. The quality of the gift and of the giving receives special emphasis. According to what is probably the best reading the act of love is described as giving “a cup of cold water only” (thus literally), meaning “even so much as a cup of cold water.” For “I solemnly declare” see on 5:18. Jesus then is saying, “I solemnly declare to you that for such a gift the reward will not be lacking.” In fact, “he shall certainly not lose his reward.” What reward? Think of peace of mind now (Matt. 10:13), public acknowledgment by Christ himself at his return (Mt 25:34 ff.), and ever afterward all the blessings that are bestowed solely by grace, according to works (Mt 16:27). (Borrow Matthew Commentary) Acts of love are divinely estimated rather by motive than by measure Spurgeon Commentary 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 recompense. 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 greater sort. To love a poor and despised child of God for Christ’s sake shows greater love to Christ than if we love the honorable, and 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 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 specially so when persecuting governments make it penal to succor the saints in any way. Though every kindly deed is its own reward, yet the Lord promises a further recompense. 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. Bob