This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 10:40–42) is only three verses long, but it quietly rearranges the way most of us keep score. We’re trained to read résumés: titles, degrees, the things a person earns and accumulates over a lifetime. And we tend to assume God reads us the same way, tallying up what we’ve managed to make of ourselves.

But that’s not how Jesus talks about reward in the reading. He doesn’t say, “whoever does great things.” He says, “whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet.” The reward hinges not on what we’ve achieved but on whom we honor. And I guess, just as importantly, why we honor them.

God isn’t scanning our credentials; God is asking who our friends are. Who do we recognize? Who do we receive? To whom do we hand even a cup of cold water? And here’s the wonder of it: when we honor someone because of how God already sees them, we are drawn into their reward. Relationship, not résumé, turns out to be what counts. At least if we’re looking to be blessed with an extra helping of blessing.

You can view the full sermon directly at this link.