The FaithOfJesus2 Daily Devotional

Focus:

kjv@Revelation:14:12 @ Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

( FaithOfJesus thread begun by rRandyP )

Today's Verse:

kjv@Matthew:17:24-27

kjv@Matthew:17:24 @ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

kjv@Matthew:17:25 @ He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

kjv@Matthew:17:26 @ Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

kjv@Matthew:17:27 @ 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.

Today's notes: Temple Tribute

Context:

Before - Because of your unbelief
After - Becoming as little children

What is man believing/doing?:

collecting a voluntary tax for the upkeep of the temple
expecting payment or else offended
Peter replying that his master does and will pay

What is making man to believe/do as he is doing?:

The majority of other taxes and trade customs go to Rome. Tribute is common practice even in Gentile lands for temples.
urgent needs, desperate funding, community expectation
Peter has known Jesus to pay it before

Notes:

The tie in to the previous "because of your unbelief" passage is that Jesus sends His servants about many tasks including exorcism. It is not because of any special power that we possess or any special depth of personal knowledge/determination that makes it to happen, it is the structure of authority between Father and Son, it is the Father making known HIS confirmation of the Son with uncommon tangible authority. The determination on our part is to obey the directive of the Son, do as disclosed from Master to His servant, and allow the rest to take place between the inherent authority and willing glorification of Father to Son. This tie back even to the mustard grain kingdom faith.

Key Messages:

What does this say about our present condition?

We are easily offended by Jesus putting things into proper perspective to the point of it becoming destructive distraction. Relatively simple things turned right side up will set us on edge. It boils down to a persistent lack of respect for who Jesus actually is and the authority inherent to that. We deflate Him to a level more comfortable to our own. This is true with both unbeliever and believer the same.
It is important at times for us as disciples to be pulled aside, stopped before we can speak, be presented with the right-side up view of spiritual things.

Further Resources:

Comment Board:Matthew:17:24-27
index:FAITHOFJESUSDEVOTION - Devotional Index
strkjv@Matthew:17:24-27 rwp@Matthew:17:24-27 mhcc@Matthew:17:24-27
FaithOfJesus2 - Devotion Index

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