Welcome to the family
by Norma Koehne
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Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me (Matthew 10:40).
Read Matthew 10:40–42
These words come after some rather confronting words from Jesus. He talks about how conflicts will arise in families and communities when we acknowledge him before people (verse 32). Most of us have not experienced being alienated from our parents and siblings by following Christ. However, this is all too real in some parts of the world, and following Christ can even put a person’s life in danger.
In the passage before us, Jesus stresses the importance of Christian fellowship and support. When we welcome and care for our brothers and sisters in Christ, we welcome Christ and our loving Heavenly Father. Having been away from close family for most of my adult life, my church family has been an important place of support and love. As we gather, it is vital to welcome each other, especially new members coming into our midst, and get to know them, support them, and encourage them.
Amazingly, we are told we will receive a reward, even for the most insignificant and effortless kindness, like giving someone a cup of water. This shows God’s grace – his undeserved favour – if he wants to reward us for such small acts. Our reward is that we have pleased God by passing on the love he has showered upon us, and we have scattered his blessings among each other.
I am reminded of the almost unbelievable image we have in Zephaniah 3:17: ‘The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing’. What a tremendous encouragement for us to know that the smallest act of love causes our loving Father to rejoice.
Loving Father, you have embraced us with open arms into your family through baptism. Open our hearts to welcome others who are in your family, showing your love to all. Amen.
Norma grew up at Koonibba in South Australia. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an international student advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Council and Seminary Council and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
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