PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 17

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27)
In Exodus 30:13-16, Moses describes the sanctuary shekel.
This tax was used “for the service of” (Exodus 30:16) the temple.
Jesus suggests that as God’s children, they should be exempt.
Though he did not see it as necessary, he did not want to cause an offense.
Jesus gave offense when it came to loving and serving the wrong people.
Jesus gave offense when it came to rebuking greed and arrogance.
There are plenty of issues in church life that could cause an offense.
Fighting over secondary issues is not worth it, but people are worth it.
Standing up for the oppressed, marginalized, abused, neglected, needy is worth it.
Jesus is restoring God’s family, giving God’s children their rightful place.
If loving my LGBTQ+ brother and sister offends some people, so be it.
The good news of God’s grace is offensive to religious people.
But even so, I need to be sure not to cause unnecessary offense.
Being gracious and loving may offend some, but it is a necessary offense!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I do not want to be offensive, I want to be loving. For some people, that in itself will be offensive. Help me to offend people for the right reasons, for being too loving.