Matthew 10:42

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, etc.] Our Lord gradually descends from prophets to righteous men, and from righteous men, to those of the lowest form and class among them; who have the least measure of grace, and share of spiritual light, and knowledge; who are outwardly the poorest, meanest, and most contemptible in the eyes of the world; and are little, even the least of saints, in their own esteem and account: whosoever takes notice but of “one” of these, receives him into his house, and gives him a cup of cold water only, is regarded, a phrase used to express the least favour, or benefit whatever. “So says f672 Maimonides, one that calls to his friend to…”

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones--Beautiful epithet! Originally taken from Zac 13:7. The reference is to their lowliness in spirit, their littleness in the eyes of an undiscerning world, while high in Heaven's esteem. a cup of cold water only--meaning, the smallest service. in the name of a disciple--or, as it is in Mark (Mar 9:41), because ye are Christ's: from love to Me, and to him from his connection with Me. verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward--There is here a descending climax--"a prophet," "a righteous man," "a little one"; signifying that however low we come down in our services to those that are Christ's, all that is done for His…”

“He that receiveth you ... - In all these three illustrations Christ meant to teach substantially the same thing - that he that would entertain kindly or treat with hospitality himself, his disciples, a prophet, or a righteous man, would show that he approved their character, and should not fail of proper reward. To receive in the “name” of a prophet is to receive “as” a prophet; to do proper honour to his character, and to evince attachment to the cause in which he was engaged. Matthew 10:42 These little ones - By “these little ones” are clearly meant his disciples. They are called “little ones” to denote their want of wealth, rank, learning, and whatever the world calls “great.” They were…”

“One of these little ones - The very least Christian. Mar 9:41. Next: Matthew Chapter 11”

“10:42 The least of my followers probably refers to the low social standing of most of Jesus’ followers (cp. 5:3; 18:1-5 and 6:5; 23:5-12).”

“one: Mat 8:5, Mat 8:6, Mat 18:3-6, Mat 18:10, Mat 18:14, Mat 25:40; Zac 13:7; Mar 9:42; Luk 17:2; Co1 8:10-13 a cup: Mar 9:41, Mar 12:42, Mar 12:43, Mar 14:7, Mar 14:8; Co2 8:12 he shall: Pro 24:14; Luk 6:35; Co2 9:6-15; Phi 4:15-19; Heb 6:10 Next: Matthew Chapter 11”