Living As An Example

Matthew 17:24–27 (ESV)

24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.”

This question was a test of Jesus and his willingness to follow the rules.

Matthew tells of a similar account later in his gospel

Matthew 22:17–22 (ESV)

17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Our Faith can never be an excuse to not do what is required.

Our Faith should call us to be an Example not an exception

And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.

Jesus being the son of God didn't need to pay the tax to the temple.

27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Even though Jesus didn't need to pay, he still chose to do what is required, but in a magnificent way.

Grace Points:

How we are to be an example as Jesus was.

Walk With The Lost, Not Against Them

we don't sin to win,

we don't change what we believe

but we go to where they are

we try to understand whats going on

We listen, we talk, we love them, so we can win them.

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV)

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

We are to welcome people into the faith, not fight with them.

Romans 14:1 (ESV)

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Let Your Love Be Genuine

Romans 12:9–21 (ESV)

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Live In Peace

Romans 12:18 (ESV)

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.