THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:24-27
“But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27)
This must have been tough for Jesus – paying taxes to Caesar, and to the corrupt religious leaders.
The temple tax was not used for ‘a house of prayer’, but for ‘a den of robbers’ (Matthew 21:13).
Yet Jesus submits to the existing authorities, He does not promote rebellion.
As Christians, we have to stop playing politics as the world plays politics.
Jesus warns us against giving offense to the proper authorities; Peter agrees and urges respect!
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)
Our way of shining as Christians is not by playing politics, but by doing good.
What if the energy used by Christians on Facebook taking political potshots went into doing good?
Instead of joining in political ‘biting and devouring’, let’s use our freedom to bless each another.
We pay taxes to show the world what good citizenship looks like, whether we agree with them or not.
We practice justice, mercy and compassion to show the government what true leadership looks like.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:13-15)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us when we join in the world’s political games and schemes. May Your followers show up on their knees in service, not just at the polls in protest.