The imagery of receiving is that of hospitality. One receives someone in one’s home. Hospitality indicates that when one is “received” that they are brought among us as family. In this imagery, when Jesus is “received” his person cannot be separated from his message and purpose in the world. Therefore we receive or accept Christ through his words, but as his person and mission. All is bound together. If we do not receive him, then we cannot receive his words, or message, or the benefits of what he has done for us as the Atoning Messiah.