Mark 9:41

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

A cup of water to drink - See the notes on Matthew 10:42; Matthew 18:6-8.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Whosoever shall give you a cup … - How easy it is to be a Christian! What is easier than to give a cup of cold water to a thirsty disciple of Jesus! But it must be in his name - that is, because he “is” a Christian, and therefore from love “to the Saviour.” This is very different from giving it from a mere motive of common kindness. If done from love to Christ, it will be rewarded; and hence we learn that the humblest acts of Christians - the lowest service that is rendered - will be graciously noticed by Jesus and rewarded. None are so humble in his kingdom as not to be able to do good, and none so poor that he may not show attachment to him. The feeblest service will be accepted, and acts of love that may be forgotten by man, will be remembered by Him, and rewarded in heaven.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying worm. Surely it is beyond compare better to undergo all possible pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that would offend God, or our own consciences.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

41. A cup. See on Matt. 10:42.

Many. There is no way of telling whether Luke includes Matthew and Mark in his reference to “many,” though for various reasons it is thought that at least Mark, and possibly Matthew, had already been written (see pp. 178, 179). “Many,” however, would seem to imply more than two, and it is therefore likely that the term here includes some written histories other than the Gospels. Luke cannot have had in mind the apocryphal gospels that are in existence today, for they were not written until many years later. It appears that at least some of the previous writers had been “eyewitnesses” of the things they recorded, and may therefore have belonged to the Twelve or the Seventy (see on v. 2).

Because ye belong. See on Matt. 5:11; 10:18, 42. The character of the deed is determined by the motive that prompts it.

Taken in hand. Gr. epicheireÅÂ, literally, “to put the hand to”; hence, “to undertake,” or “to attempt.” Some commentators understand Luke’s statement to imply that the writers he is referring to proceeded on their own, without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But it is clear from the use of epicheireÅÂ in the papyri that such a conclusion is unwarranted and that Luke casts no reflection on any previous authors. They had meant well, and their accounts were not to be rejected as historical source material, though the men were not necessarily divinely inspired, as was Luke. Luke considers these writers in a favorable light, and in fact, classifies himself with them by the expression “me also” (v. 3).

Verily. Gr. amÃ„â€œn (see on Matt. 5:18).

To set forth in order. Gr. anatassomai, “to compile,” “to arrange,” “to compose.” The idea of chronological order or arrangement is not necessarily implied. Compare the Gr. pathexÃ„â€œs (see on v. 3). These terms may suggest that accounts written by previous gospel writers had been incomplete, but in no way imply that they were inaccurate.

Not lose his reward. See on Matt. 5:12; 19:29.

Declaration. Gr. diÃ„â€œgÃ„â€œsis, a “narrative.” It is composed of two Greek words meaning, literally, “to lead the way through.”

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Ellen G. White
Our High Calling, 199.3

Some give of their abundance, yet feel no lack. They do not practice self-denial for the cause of Christ. They give liberally and heartily, but they still have all that heart can wish. God regards it. The action and motive are strictly marked by Him, and they will not lose their reward. But those who have less means must not excuse themselves because they cannot do as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourself of some article you can do without, and sacrifice for the cause of God. Like the poor widow, cast in your two mites. You will actually give more than all those who give of their abundance; and you will know how sweet it is to deny self, to give to the needy, to sacrifice for the truth, and to lay up treasure in heaven. OHC 199.3

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Ellen G. White
Our High Calling, 222.2

Industry is a blessing to youth. A life of idleness is to be shunned by a young man as a vice. However humble the occupation may be, if only honorable, if the humble duties are done faithfully, he will not lose his reward. Industry is essential to health. If habits of industry were encouraged, a door would be closed against a thousand temptations. Those who lounge away their days, having no aim or object in life, are troubled with dejection and tempted to seek amusement in forbidden indulgences which enervate the system and tax the physical powers tenfold more than the most taxing labor. Indolence destroys more than hard labor. Many die because they have not the ability or inclination to set themselves to work. “Nothing to do” has killed its thousands. OHC 222.2

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Ellen G. White
That I May Know Him, 43.3

Christ suffered in the flesh.... He knew what it was to suffer keen pangs of hunger, and He has given special lessons in regard to feeding the hungry and caring for the needy poor, and has declared that in ministering to the needy we are ministering to Himself in the person of His saints. He says, “I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat” (Matthew 25:35). He knew the discomfort and suffering of thirst, and He declared that a cup of cold water given in His name to any of His disciples should not lose its reward.⁹ TMK 43.3

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whosoever

because