Here are two ways we receive Jesus when we receive one of his disciples:
Matthew 10:40–42 takes up the theme of Matthew 10:11–14. Jesus encourages the apostles by showing their value in God’s eyes, and God’s care for their earthly wellbeing. Here it relates not just to receiving them as guests, but more to receiving them as Christ’s ambassadors. A Jewish proverb said that a person’s representative is that person himself. The disciples represent Jesus, who represents God on earth.
Interpretation 1:
Matthew 10:40–42 again takes up the same theme highlighted in Matthew 10:11–14. Jesus wants to encourage the apostles by amplifying how valuable they are in the eyes of God and to what degree God is also involved in their earthly wellbeing. Here it does not pertain to receiving them as guests as such, but rather receiving them as ambassadors of Christ. A famous ancient Jewish proverb proclaimed that a representative of a person is that person himself. The disciples represent Jesus, who in turn represents God on earth.1
Interpretation 2:
By receiving the preachers of the word, the hearers thereof (in their homes: Matthew 10:11) reveal their acceptance of the word preached. The preachers are one with Christ, not only because they have been sent by him and act in his Name, but also because they follow him on the path of suffering. It is precisely because of this reason that it is so crucial for the hearers of the gospel to offer refuge to the preachers.2
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.