Reflection on Matthew 10:40-42

You need to have a song ready and some scripture to share. 

These cryptic instructions were given to us by our Christian Mission professor just days before we departed to visit India.  There were lots of things that needed prepared: passports, visas, clothing that did not look too rich (which curiously meant that jeans were not allowed), bottled water, and this cryptic instruction to have a song and scripture prepared. 

The trip to India was amazing by the way.  If, after all of this virus stuff plays out, you have a chance to go, most certainly do.  We visited Hindu temples, rubbed elbows with well-known theologians in India, and entered into life in the slums.  The hospitality in each of these places, even the slums, was amazing.  Everywhere we went, we were offered safely sealed drinks, deliciously spicy food, smiles, and great conversation.  We were turned away from nowhere. 

This is where the song and scripture comes in, because when followers of Christ are welcomed in India, they are welcomed as they would welcome Christ himself.  And, just as any Christian would give their whole life’s worth to be able to sit and talk face-to-face with Jesus, these gracious people hoped that when they welcomed you, that you would have something from Christ to share with them.

“Give us a song,” a group of youth cried out after sharing a tune of their own on the guitar.  They held out the guitar, and all of us students stared for a brief moment…probably a little more than a brief moment…and wondered what we should do. 

Finally, the one member of our group who actually took notes while our professor spoke had prepared a song and scripture, and so he took the guitar. 

The people smiled as the first notes rung out and Christ was shared with them in a new and exotic way to them.  In fact, the song was somewhat repetitive, so after just a couple of choruses we were all singing praises to God together.  It was a beautiful moment in time. 

It was also a valuable moment in time.  I learned that day: if you are welcomed as a follower of Jesus and you are given something to drink, those who welcomed you will also welcome Jesus.  So, you need to have a song ready and some scripture to share.

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”  In a world where politics and religion are not to be discussed in polite company, these are words of pure grace.  They are words that say, if you, a follower of Christ, are welcomed, then Christ is welcomed.  If people love you, then go ahead and love them back…big time.  Love them with the never-failing love of Jesus Christ.  Love them with a love that would go to the cross for them.  And, do not forget to have a song and some scripture to share.

After-all, you are a part of Jesus’ family.  And, that means something.  When people welcome you in, they are hoping to hear the love of Jesus in all you do and say, because you are a part of Jesus’ family.  When they give you some water as a follower of Jesus Christ, they are hoping that you might be blessed, and if you are blessed, then Jesus is blessed, and if Jesus is blessed, then these people have given a blessing to God.  In return for doing that these people will not lose the reward.  They too will know what it is like to be a part of Christ’s family.

When I was growing up, being an “Albers” (my last name) meant something.  When someone welcomed an Albers, they were welcoming someone who they expected to be kind and compassionate; they were welcoming someone who they expected to be knowledgeable; and they were welcoming someone who they expected to have a love of music. 

A lot of this expectation was a product of the kind of man that my grandpa was in the community, and the product of who his children were after him.  I am sure that you can relate.  Most families have expectations from those in the community.

It is no different with Jesus’ family.  When people welcome a follower of Jesus, they hope to see Jesus.  They hope to see the love that is found in the family of God.  They hope to experience the truth of Jesus Christ from his family members; a family that truly believes that Christ desires to love, save, and bless the world. 

Sure, not everyone will welcome a member of the family of Jesus, but Jesus promises that there are many who will.  And, when that happens, everyone in the encounter is blessed.

So, here is some practical advice for you from a beloved professor of mine: have a song and some scripture ready to share.  Have a song of faith that moves you humming from your lips or sharable from your phone.  Have some deeply life giving promises of Christ from the scriptures memorized or placed in your wallet or purse, or in a note on your phone.  

Believe me; those who welcome you will welcome Jesus.  They have a desire to hear the good news of Jesus Christ who claims us all as sons and daughters and frees us all from whatever binds us and holds us down. 

If you are welcomed as a follower of Jesus and given something to drink, those who welcomed you will also welcome Jesus.  So, have a song ready and some scripture to share.