Matthew 10:10-->laborers deserve their food?

[roseyelephant]

I’m confused about whether this implies that workers of God should depend on the people benefiting from their actions (I read multiple commentaries stating this) or on God’s supply of our needs. It’s also stated, before this verse, that since the apostles freely received, they should freely give. I know this means that we shouldn’t expect money or rewards for our deeds, but how does that tie in with the verse about deserving “food”…if workers of God deserve food, wouldn’t it be natural to EXPECT that food?

 

[Eric_Hyom]

Does this help…

Sirach 34 - 25 The bread of charity is life itself for the needy; whoever withholds it is a murderer. 26 To take away a neighbor’s living is to commit murder; 27
to deny a laborer wages is to shed blood.

 

[BartholomewB]

to deny a laborer wages is to shed blood.

That’s what James says, emphatically:

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance. (James 5:1-6, NABRE)

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB

 

[jcrichton]

We have to take into consideration what is transpiring:

• Travel–the Disciples must travel around the various townships of Israel; it would be both a financial and a physical hardship for them to bulk up on food and water
• Mission–the Disciples are out on a Mission; their main concern should not be how to provide for the road but to bring the message of Salvation to the people; as poor as some may have been, it would be quite feasible to provide a mouthful for a traveler, specially one bringing God’s News
  *Obligation–there’s a duality in this practice: the Disciples are not to seek out “opportunities” but to accept the invitation of the first household that opens their door (heart) to them; those who are being ministered are given an opportunity to provide for God’s sent (Apostles)
  *There was no organized Church–Jesus purse was fully limited to a local venue; it would take years before the Church’s Ministry would be financed by Jesus’ Followers

However, the whole idea is not to use the Gospel as a procurement of wealth (as it happens in today’s ‘send/give God your financial support…’); people who merchandise in Faith are robbing themselves, Heaven, and the masses out of both financial and spiritual wealth.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[Arbovirus]

“To take away a neighbor’s living is to commit murder”

It really makes one think about the unemployment issue on a whole another level. Big businesses driving out small businesses and mom-n-pop stores, etc.