Mark 9:41
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Water in ancient Palestine's arid climate was valuable commodity requiring labor to obtain. Offering water was basic hospitality (Genesis 24:17-18; John 4:7). Jesus elevates this minimal courtesy to eternal significance when motivated by loyalty to Christ. This countered merit-theology emphasizing great deeds—Pharisees emphasized major offerings, conspicuous fasting, public prayer (Matthew 6:1-18; 23:23). Jesus teaches that small acts done for Christ surpass grand gestures done for human acclaim. The promise of reward doesn't contradict salvation by grace—rewards crown grace-empowered service, not meritorious works earning salvation. Early church emphasized that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26), and works done in Christ receive eternal reward (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 22:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' promise of reward for giving a cup of water challenge our focus on 'significant' ministry while neglecting small acts of service?
- What does the phrase 'in my name' teach about how Christ-centered motivation transforms ordinary kindness into eternally significant ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus promised: 'whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward' (ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποτίσῃ ὑμᾶς ποτήριον ὕδατος ἐν ὀνόματί μου, ὅτι Χριστοῦ ἐστε, ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ). A cup of water is minimal hospitality—least expensive kindness. Yet even this small act done 'in my name' (ἐν ὀνόματί μου, because of Christ) receives divine reward. The phrase 'because ye belong to Christ' (Christou este, Χριστοῦ ἐστε) shows the recipient's identity determines the gift's significance. Kindness to Christ's people is kindness to Christ (Matthew 25:40). The emphatic double negative 'shall not lose' (ou mē apolesē, οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ) guarantees reward. This teaches that God values motivation over magnitude—a cup of water given for Christ's sake matters eternally. No authentic service goes unrewarded.