And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to drink to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, truly I tell you, he will not lose his reward.”
In this saying Jesus points out that even the smallest and simplest good deed, done out of respect for a disciple or for the faith, is valued by God and will receive its reward. The expression “one of the little ones” can refer to any person who may be considered weak, insignificant, or in need. Here the good deed—“giving a cup of cold water”—shows that even small acts of service have great worth in God’s eyes when they are done from sincerity, kindness, and devotion. This saying is important because it emphasizes that God values every good work, regardless of its size. Jesus assures us that in the life of faith, even the smallest act done for the sake of faith will not be overlooked, but will be rewarded by God.