What does Matthew 10:40 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 10:40 comes from the section where Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples to preach the message of the kingdom of heaven.

When Jesus says, "He that receiveth you receiveth me," He is establishing a principle of representation.

The disciples, as Jesus' messengers, bear His authority and identity.

To welcome them is to welcome Jesus Himself.

Secondly, when Jesus says, "and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me," He illustrates the unity between Himself and God the Father.

In essence, the acceptance of Jesus is equated with the acceptance of God.

This statement solidifies the concept of divine agency in which the sender and the sent are intimately connected, and the reception of one equates to the reception of the other.

Historical Context

Matthew 10:40 is part of the larger discourse where Jesus is instructing and empowering His disciples to carry out missions within Israel.

At that time, hospitality towards itinerant teachers and prophets was a cultural norm.

The followers of Jesus were to rely on this hospitality as they traveled without provisions.

Jesus' teaching occurs within the context of Jewish understanding of hospitality, the role of prophets, and the deep relationship between a teacher and his disciples.

This verse is situated in an environment where receptions of messengers were often considered as receptions of the ones who sent them.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this verse has several implications. It speaks to Christ's authority and His divine commission. It emphasizes the unity between Christ and God the Father, which reflects on trinitarian doctrine where the Father and the Son are distinct but not separate in essence.

Furthermore, this verse is often cited to discuss the identification and reverence due to God's representatives, which by extension applies to the treatment of Christ's followers. It also holds a christological significance, emphasizing Jesus's role as a mediator between God and humanity.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are multifold.

Firstly, it teaches about the importance of hospitality and how it extends beyond social customs to spiritual significance.

Secondly, the verse encourages believers to respect and support those who are sent out to preach the gospel, understanding that by doing so, they are honoring Jesus Himself.

Thirdly, it serves as a reminder to those in ministry that they represent Jesus and therefore should embody His teachings and character.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:16 - "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."
• John 13:20 - "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."
• John 12:44-45 - "Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this verse hold significant weight:

• "Receiveth" (δέχομαι - dechomai): This term is more than just physical acceptance; it implies a welcoming or embracing attitude.
• "Me" (με - me) and "Him that sent me" (πέμψαντά με - pempsanta me): Reflects the strong personal relationship between Jesus and the Father as well as the intimate association between the messenger and sender in cultural context.

Understanding the original language reinforces the idea of intentional reception and relationship within this verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, emissaries or representatives carrying the authority of a higher power were common, with envoys or prophets often treated as stand-ins for the authority figures themselves.

For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, emissaries from the king were received with great respect, mirroring their sovereign's stature.

In religious contexts, this is akin to the idea found in other religious traditions where the acceptance of a spiritual leader equates to acceptance of the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly touch on scientific themes, modern sociology and psychology can provide insight into the human dynamics of representation and group dynamics.

For instance, acceptance of group leaders often correlates with the acceptance of the group's mission and values.

The principles of representation and acceptance in the verse align with contemporary understandings of leadership and group affiliation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Matthew 10:40:

• John Calvin emphasizes that when we receive God's ministers, it is as if we are receiving God Himself.
• Matthew Henry reflects on the importance of the reception of the apostles, as those who receive them with a faithful heart also receive Christ and the Father.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the verse extends the idea of hospitality to a theological concept of welcoming the message of Christ and God the Father.

Commentators generally agree that the verse demonstrates the theological importance of receiving the messengers of God as an act of receiving God Himself.