To Obey or Not to Obey

N.T.#210 

Dec. 26, 2023 "To Obey or Not to Obey"

Matthew 17-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

What two things are certain in life? Death and taxes. 

When Jesus and His disciples reached Capernaum, the tax collectors approached Peter and asked it his teacher paid the (temple tax). Probably, they were trying to catch Jesus in breaking their law. Peter answered yes. Then Jesus had a private conversation-who pays taxes, son or strangers? Their subjects, not sons, paid taxes. The son of kings were free from paying taxes. Those asking didn't realize who Jesus was-King of kings, owner of the Temple. Jesus didn't want to go into an unnecessary conflict, so Jesus intended to pay His part of the Temple tax and Peter's part, too. He sent Peter to fish out a fish that would have enough money to do so. 

Did you notice that Peter didn't argue with His Master this time? Nope. He obeyed. Peter found what was needed. Jesus provided. Isn't that like our Savior? 

LET IT GROW 

Did you notice the word offend in verse 27? Jesus did not want to offend those tax collectors.

Offend in the Greek means to entrap; trip up; stumble or entice to sin; offend. It is the word skandalon (skan-dal-id'zo).

We get our English word scandal from it. Although those guys were trying to trip up, entice to sin, Jesus, He took care of the matter, didn't He?

Certainly, Christians are to obey God rather than men. (Acts 4:18-20) However, we are to be a good witness and follow our laws of the land until it opposes God's laws. We aren't to use our freedom for selfish reasons, either. What pleases and honors our God in our questionable situation?

LET IT GO

Help us make the right choices that please You. Give us strength to do what is right.

May we love You Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

To You be the glory forever and ever.