FOR ME AND YOU!

FOR ME AND YOU!

Matt 17:24-27

24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, [Jesus stopped Peter for a teaching moment] What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Peter is asked a question by the tax collector (literally a collector of the Temple tax). Peter assumes that Jesus “owes” this tribute and would pay it. However, Jesus claims exemption on the following grounds. If the Temple had levied a tax on behalf of the King of Kings then certainly the Prince of Peace was exempt. “Then are the children (of the King) free.” As divine, Jesus was exempt from paying a tax that was rendered to himself.

The first thing to consider is that we should not be offensive. “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them…” (v.27). Jesus would now voluntarily comply with a demand from which he was free. This is consistent with his “dove like” nature. Jesus was not pushy or selfish. He was God in human form and he often accommodated those who only saw the human part of him.

God knows where to find provision where there is none. Peter was to get a coin from the bank of “first fish.” This is encouraging since it is clear that neither Jesus nor Peter had the price of the tax. He is able to provide a “table in the wilderness.”

Finally, we come to what I call the “partnership of need.” Jesus claims and shares Peter’s need. Peter was his true yokefellow, his servant and partner. Every need that Peter had Jesus shared and felt! “Me and thee” is an encouraging phrase. It means that Jesus is willing and very able to pay the costs that are incurred by our obedience.

Dear Lord, it may cost me something to obey you today but I know that I am not in this alone. It will always be “me and thee!” Thank you, Lord, for your partnership. AMEN