Word on the Web/8 August - Talk Jesus

ladylovesJesus · 11-20-08

8 August 2008

Word on the Web

Pray First
Bills, payments, paperwork... a fact of life. Take a moment or two to focus on life, the fact, in prayer.

Matthew 17:24-27

When Jesus and the others arrived in Capernaum, the collectors for the temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Does your teacher pay the temple tax?"

"Yes, he does," Peter answered.

After they had returned home, Jesus went up to Peter and asked him, "Simon, what do you think? Do the kings of this earth collect taxes and fees from their own people or from foreigners?" Peter answered, "From foreigners."

Jesus replied, "Then their own people don't have to pay. But we don't want to cause trouble. So go cast a line into the lake and pull out the first fish you hook. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Use it to pay your taxes and mine."

Main Point

It's often said that two things in life are certain: death and taxes! Since even Jesus got lumbered with both when he lived on earth, it's hard to disagree.

However, the 'temple tax' that is mentioned here was not much like anything we would call a tax, but more like a special collection at church - except that contribution was compulsory!

Jesus' words hint at two reasons why he shouldn't have to pay. He was the son of God - and temple worship would soon be superseded by Jesus himself.

The main point here is not the miracle of the coin in the mouth of the fish, but that Jesus actively chose to pay the tax for Peter and himself, not wishing to give unnecessary offence. Here, we see Jesus willing to follow the usual practices of his society rather than causing a distraction from the central issues of his mission.

What could we learn from Jesus' example about how we are to live in our own society today?

Reflect

Lord,

In my work place, help me to rebel against dishonesty, laziness and time-wasting. Help me to conform to hard work, integrity and efficiency.

In my friendships, help me to rebel against disloyalty, unreliability and gossip. Help me to conform to loyalty, reliability and keeping confidences.

In my devotion to you, help me to rebel against lethargy, cold ritual and complacency. Help me to conform to the passion for holiness that is in you, and live a cross-centred existence for you.

Amen.

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