Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 10:40-42

November 7, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 10:40-42.
Sum up this passage in one sentence.
In light of the entire passage (10:4-42), who does the "you" refer to in v 40?
What does Jesus have in mind when he refers to someone "receiving" you?
Why would Jesus link someon's reception of "us" to their reception of him and the Father?
What is a prophet and what sort of reward will a prophet receive?
How does the "righteous person" relate to the prophet and what is a righteous person's reward?
How does v 42 relate to the two verses before it?
Who does the "these little ones" refer to in light of vv 40-41?
What is the motivation for giving someone a cup of cold water? What does it say about the person who is so serving a disciple in this way?

How closely identified are you to Jesus and the Father, so that to receive you is to also affirm Jesus, the Father and their message of discipleship?
How do you find yourself treating, serving, and affirming those who are spokesmen for God's word? What does that indicate about you according to this passage?
How do you find your service to other Christians to be an overt identification with their message? Is your service to others motivated by your affirmation of their commitments to Christ? Why or why not?
Who are the "little ones" or the "least of these" in our congregation? How could you serve them in even the most simple ways because they are disciples?
Consider how you have been received by others and on what basis they tend to welcome and affirm you. Is it because of your identification with Christ? How so? Why not?

Consider specific ways your actions this week would demonstrate your affirmation of the faith commmitmenets of others who are disciples of Jesus.
Pray for those who will be attending this Sunday who are not Christians. Pray that they will see the gospel in the congregation, hear the gospel in the prayers and music, and be convicted by the gospel through the message on Sunday. Pray that they will respond in repentance and faith.
Pray for Christians who are present to be encouraged in their walk with Christ and convicted to continue living faithfully to Christ. Pray that believers will demonstrate mutual affirmation of one another this week in refreshing ways.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this Sunday, that they will serve in the most edifying way: Dawson Bryant, music; Brandon Ferguson, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the music we will sing together and prepare your heart to sing with understanding and fervor this Sunday.