And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
Matthew 10:42 NIV
In this verse, Jesus emphasises the power of small acts of service. He uses the example of offering a “cup of cold water” to a disciple, highlighting how even a seemingly insignificant gesture can hold great spiritual meaning. The “little ones” Jesus refers to are His followers, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalised. In ancient times, people showed kindness and hospitality by offering water, a vital and valued resource.
Jesus assures us that no act of service is too small when done with love and in His name. Small acts of service, such as offering a drink of water, may appear trivial to the world but are precious in God’s eyes. These gestures reflect God’s heart of compassion and demonstrate the value of caring for others selflessly.
Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37. In this story, a man is beaten and left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite. However, a Samaritan—a group often despised by the Jews—stops to help him. The Samaritan’s actions were not grand by worldly standards, but they revealed a heart full of mercy and love. This parable reinforces the idea that small acts of service can have eternal significance.
Similarly, in Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus teaches that acts of kindness done to the “least of these” are considered as done to Him. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…”
This passage affirms that God values acts of kindness, even the smallest ones. They reflect our love for Him and bring His love to those in need.
In God’s Kingdom, nothing done out of love is ever insignificant. Even the smallest gesture, like offering a cup of water, can create a ripple effect of kindness, healing, and love. Small acts of service hold eternal significance when done in Jesus’ name.
Take the example of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Acts 9:36–42. People remember her for her charity, especially her efforts in making garments for widows and the poor. Although her work was simple, it had a lasting impact on her community. When she passed away, the people she had helped mourned deeply, and this moved Peter to pray for her resurrection. Dorcas’ life shows how small acts of service can leave a legacy of love.
Jesus promises that every act of kindness, no matter how small, will be rewarded. The ultimate reward is not earthly recognition but the joy of eternal life in God’s presence. Matthew 10:42 assures us that God sees and treasures even the humblest acts.
In conclusion, Matthew 10:42 invites us to reflect on the power of small acts of service. Whether it’s offering a cup of water, helping someone in need, or performing small, unseen deeds of kindness, God notices and values them all. Let us embrace the opportunity to serve others with love, knowing that our actions, no matter how small, hold eternal significance in God’s Kingdom.
What small act of kindness can you do today? Remember, even the simplest gesture can create a ripple of blessings.
