“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. Mark 9:38-41
“Offering a cup of water to the Messiah’s followers illustrates what it means to be “for us.” The Greek idiom (lit.) “in name because” means “on the basis that” or “on account of,” so that the whole phrase means “because you belong to the Messiah.” A parallel saying in Matthew speaks of giving a cup of cold water (lit.) “in the name of a disciple,” i.e., “because they are my disciple” (Matthew 10:42).
This saying then, does not mean “charity will be rewarded.” Rather, it emphasizes that those who provide love and support for Jesus’ lowly and persecuted disciples are working for the kingdom and will be rewarded.
For emphasis, Jesus introduces the statement about reward with His solemn affirmation formula, “Truly I say to you.” this saying parallels not only Matthew 10:40-42, but also Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46. When the Son of Man returns as king to judge and to save, eternal reward will be granted to those who showed care and compassion for “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,” and eternal punishment to those who neglected them.”
Mark L. Strauss in Mark, edited by Clinton E. Arnold (ZECNT; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014) 411-12.
As we journey closer to Holy Week and look at various scenes in which Jesus interacted with disciples, we find Him drawing lines. People will soon be either for Him or against Him, and the ranks of both sides will grow beyond the core group of disciples. As His days with them were numbered, He aids them by making this “truly” statement using words like “Messiah” (which means “Christ”) and “rewards” to give them a paradigm for understanding life after the cross. Likewise it equips us for life after this season we call Lent.
Jesus does not say, “charity will be rewarded,” though many like to think that. He points them to provide love and support to fellow Christ-followers, including those they don’t know. Jesus is essentially telling them to work together. How His followers collaborate will show what they believe and that will impact both their rewards and their eternal destiny. What’s the lesson for us with regard to generosity? If you are a Christ-follower, then show your faith by providing love and support generously to fellow Christ-followers.