41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.

In this verse, Jesus outlines the significance and benefits of receiving and supporting individuals who are considered prophets and righteous men. The term “prophet” refers to someone who receives divine revelations and communicates God’s messages to the people. In 5:11-12, Jesus has already connected the disciples in their suffering and persecution to “the prophets who were before you.”

A “righteous man” denotes a person who lives in accordance with God’s commands and exhibits moral uprightness. In Mt 13:17; 23:29 “prophets” and “righteous people” will again be paired as a way of speaking of the godly, there with reference to the period before Jesus’ coming.

The significance goes beyond simple hospitality; it encompasses a genuine acceptance and recognition of the prophet or righteous person and their message. By embracing and supporting them, individuals align themselves with the divine truth and purpose that these individuals represent. This act of reception is an acknowledgment of their authority and righteousness. The benefit is that the reception results in a reward associated with the prophet (or righteous man). Similarly, “whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous” indicates that those who receive and support a righteous individual will be rewarded in accordance with the righteousness of that person. The nature of this reward is not explicitly defined in the verse, but it signifies a spiritual or divine recompense. It implies that by honoring and supporting individuals who have a close relationship with God and embody righteousness, one becomes a participant in their spiritual blessings and receives a share in the rewards associated with their mission.

Image credit: Sermon on the Mount (1877) by Carl Heinrich Bloch, Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle, Public Domain