A Cup of Cool Water

In this text, Jesus talks about giving the thirsty a "cup of cold water." He could have said, "a cup of water." But he didn't. Why?

"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"

(Matthew 10:42).

A cup of cold water — such as many of us have sitting beside our pulpits when we preach — seems like such a little thing. But it's not.

The little word "cold" used in this passage is psuchros in the Greek. Jesus didn't have to add that word. He could just as easily have said "a cup of water." But he specified cold water. Of course, he didn't say that in Greek. He said it in Aramaic, but he said "cold water," not just "water."

Well, what's the big deal about that? We can get cold water whenever we want. At home, it's as easy as taking ice cubes from the refrigerator and filling up a glass. At work or school, refrigerated water fountains and water coolers are everywhere. Sit down in a restaurant, and a glass of cold water just appears. It's the one beverage you don't have to pay for — and often don't...