Pray:
Father, thank You that You have called us sons and daughters in Your house. Let us rightly represent You to the world.
Read:
Matthew 17:24-27
Reflect:
How does Jesus answer Peter's question?
Here's an incident where Jesus is focused just on Peter and his growth in faith. Matthew, with his background in tax collection (9:9), is the only Gospel writer to include it.
The tax collectors' question was perhaps designed to trap Jesus through one of his followers (24). Peter may have had no idea at this point how the temple tax would be paid, but his answer shows his loyalty to Jesus and his trust in him (25). His faith in Jesus is rewarded--and Peter learns something more about his Lord along the way. Jesus knows about the conversation before Peter tells him (25), and he answers the hidden questions of Peter's heart before Peter even says a word to him.
The lesson is confirmed by the example Jesus gives. He is the Son of the King; Peter--and we--are children of our heavenly Father (25,26). Yet, says Jesus, while we are part of society on earth, we are to live at peace with others and pay this tax. The question of its provision and the miracle that provides it are not the focus of this conversation, but it teaches us that we can depend on God to provide what we need.
Apply:
If there are things you do not understand about God and his character, talk to him about it.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are watching over me and know my every thought and need. I can depend on You.
