In the New Testament, the concept of receiving Christ's messengers is closely linked to the idea of hospitality, faith, and the acknowledgment of divine authority. The act of welcoming and supporting those who come in the name of the Lord is seen as an extension of receiving Christ Himself. This principle is underscored by the promise of rewards for those who honor and assist His messengers.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for this teaching is found in several passages throughout the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explicitly states the connection between receiving His messengers and receiving Him: "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me" (Matthew 10:40). This verse highlights the representative role of Christ's messengers and the spiritual significance of welcoming them.

Further, in Matthew 10:41-42, Jesus elaborates on the rewards associated with this act: "Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward" . Here, Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest act of kindness towards His disciples is noted and rewarded by God.

The Role of Hospitality

Hospitality in the early Christian community was not merely a social courtesy but a vital expression of faith and support for the mission of the Church. The Apostle John, in his third epistle, commends Gaius for his faithful support of itinerant preachers: "Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God" (3 John 1:5-6). This passage illustrates the importance of hospitality as a means of participating in the work of the Gospel.

Spiritual Implications

Receiving Christ's messengers is not only an act of hospitality but also a demonstration of spiritual discernment and alignment with God's purposes. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples, instructing them to rely on the hospitality of those they visit: "When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you" (Luke 10:5-6). The peace offered by the disciples is a sign of God's blessing, contingent upon the household's reception of the messengers.

Eternal Rewards

The rewards for receiving Christ's messengers are both temporal and eternal. While the immediate benefits may include the joy of fellowship and the blessing of participating in God's work, the ultimate reward is eternal. Jesus assures His followers that acts of kindness and support for His messengers will be remembered in the kingdom of heaven. This promise is a powerful motivation for believers to engage in acts of hospitality and support for those who labor in the Gospel.

Conclusion

The New Testament presents a clear and compelling case for the rewards associated with receiving Christ's messengers. Through acts of hospitality, believers not only support the mission of the Church but also align themselves with the purposes of God, securing both temporal blessings and eternal rewards.