PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 17:24-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27)
What stands out to me is that Jesus does not want to offend the authorities.
Even though he could claim to be exempt, even though Rome is a foreign oppressor…
Even though those taxes support an immoral kingdom and immoral causes.
Jesus models the way of grace, mercy and peace, even to immoral Roman rulers.
Though our citizenship is with God in heaven, we are also citizens on earth.
I am a Canadian, though I do not belong to Canada… I belong to Jesus.
Like Jesus, I submit to their authority even if it is not proper.
Jesus avoids unnecessary offence, and yet does not compromise on what matters.
There will be many challenging occasions when we will struggle to know what to do.
At times we will submit, at other times we cannot… but we should never be offensive.
“To be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:1-2)
Pay close attention to your heart; are you being rebellious or offensive?
For the sake of the gospel, as much as possible, be good citizens and pay your taxes.
PRAYER
Lord, if following your way of love offends some, that is unavoidable. But help me not to be rebellious or offensive against human rulers. Help me to humbly and graciously serve them too, to make the gospel attractive to them.
Jesus – a true child of the temple. The temple was set up to worship God – and Jesus again consistently self identifies with God: “from their own children or from others?” The tax was for the temple – for God – yet to cause no offense especially for the collectors of the tax who were their own people (not Romans) Jesus has Peter collect the tax in his own miraculous way. I’m sure Peter will remember – and it is a sign to us of who Jesus is – a repeated lesson affirming the testimony for us who live so many centuries later. Jesus – son of God – son of man!
Live at peace with all mankind – the Jesus way. As long as it does not go against my serving of Christ, I will be obedient to those in power – the governing authorities. I should not need to be a cause of offence to them but pray for those in leadership positions showing the love of Christ. Grace and truth will mark the way where the Lord will lead.
1 Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
2 For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
3 He who walks in godly fear
In the pat of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
4 They that fear and love the Lord
Shall Jehovah’s friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.