Cup of Cold Water

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." - Mark 9:41

This verse was part of Sunday's sermon at KCC and a discussion at our Life Group. It can be confusing. However, in light of a parallel passage and other Bible verses, we can shed some light on it.

The parallel passage to Mark is found in Matthew where he writes,

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." -Matthew 10:42

Looking at the context of Matthew 10 we can understand that Jesus was sending out the 12 Apostles to "drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." They were going on a mission. Their mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God using wonders of divine healing giving validity to their message. It was at the tail end of their commissioning that our focus verse appears.

Some terms are clear.

"Anyone" refers to a person who recognizes the value of your relationship to Christ and the purpose for which you are living your life. It may exclude someone like an atheist who may perform a good deed, but probably wouldn't do something "in my (Jesus') name."

"You" or the recipient of the "cup of water" would be a disciple or follow of Jesus Christ.

"A cup of water" could be taken literally or taken to be inclusive of any act of kindness no matter how small or simple.

William Barclay sums it up like this, "Any kindness shown, any help given, to the people of Christ, will not lose its reward." 

Notice the addition of the words "even" and "cold" in Matthew.

"Even a cup of cold water" connotes that the simplest act of kindness is noticeable by Christ. No deed is too insignificant to be qualified for a reward.

"A cup of cold water" lends to the idea that this is a deed providing relief to the Christian laborer. It is refreshing and soothing. It may be sharing warm clothing on a cold, winter day or taking someone in to give them shelter after a disaster.

This generosity of good deeds jives well with the parable of the sheep and the goats found in Matthew 25: 31-46.

Does this verse helps us focus our generosity? I believe it does. Many times the church is approached with a need. With a limited budget, there comes times when all the requests for help cannot be met. It is in times like that when Members of the church may receive aid first before someone who is not part of the family of God.

Two examples from scripture come to mind:

Cain's selfish response when asked by God about the whereabouts of his younger brother was, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This rhetorical question should be clear in the Christian's mind. Yes, of course we are! We are commanded to bear one another's burdens, loving, and caring for each other.

Paul writes to the Galatian church to encourage taking care of fellow Christians a priority when he says,

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." 

The priority is clear, but it doesn't end there. In James 2 the concept is clear that the Christian is one who does good deeds whenever the opportunity presents itself. To not do so, deems our faith as worthless.