How We See Christ in Everyone (Matthew 10:40–42)

How does difference — or even conflict — enrich community? Explore this week’s Gospel reading and consider what it means for us today.

Each week, we post a passage from Sunday’s Scriptures; share links to resources that give context and inspire new ideas; and offer a few questions to get you thinking about what we’ll read together in church.

The Gospel for June 28, 2026

Matthew 10:40–42

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Read all of Sunday’s Scriptures

Step Into the Story

3 Ways to Go Deeper

Commentary

We might think we’ve got it down when it comes to being welcoming. But what if Christian hospitality requires more than an open door? “To welcome a prophet as a prophet means we must fully recognize our guests’ prophetic gifts,” writes minister Liddy Barlow. In other words, we must allow others to show us what God is like even when we find it odd or challenging.

Theology

The early church knew something about love that defied convention and bridged division. Theologian Patrick Haley offers five things we can learn from the first-century Christians who came together across difference to work for a better world. 

Poetry

“This being human is a guest house. / Every morning a new arrival,” writes 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi. “Be grateful for whoever comes / because each has been sent / as a guide from beyond.”

Reflection Questions

Take a Moment to Wonder

• Remember a time you learned a divine lesson from an unlikely messenger. How did it feel?
• How does difference — or even conflict — enrich community?
• What if you saw every person you encountered as a guide?