PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 17:24-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27)
Jesus warns us against giving offense to the proper authorities; Peter agrees!
“Show proper respect to everyone… fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)
This would be hard for Jesus: paying taxes to Caesar and to corrupt religious leaders.
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.
Protests, attacking politicians, Facebook attacks… this is not how we shine.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:13-15)
Our way of shining as Christians is not by playing politics, but by doing good.
We pay taxes to show the world what good citizenship looks like.
We do justice, mercy and compassion to show government what good leadership looks like.
Is how we engage in political issues contributing to goodness and love?
Is our gospel offensive serving one another in love, or being critical and offensive?
Jesus shows leadership by being and doing the change He wants from others.
He invites us to do politics like Him: with the offense of love and humility.
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.
Lord I am reminded that being revolutionary or being a force of change in the world doesn’t mean offending those who live by the world – it means setting an example. Help me to be diplomatic, and show a comparison through grace and compassion rather than proving I’m right.
I remember visiting a tourist site – foreigners must pay an entrance fee – locals are free. Yet Jesus, visiting his Father’s house – the son – paid the tax – so as to cause no offense. Jesus seems to have paid it in the past – because Peter affirmed that Jesus did – but Jesus wanted Peter to know that he had a special connection – that this was His Father’s house and he wanted to make no offense – so he arranged to pay for the tax. I too have a special connection through Jesus – I know he paid the way for me and even says that I am a temple – blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit – the coins that miraculously came so that Peter could pay his and Jesus’ tax – also came for me – free! Lord help me live a life of no offense!
Lord Jesus you showed how to be good citizens and not be offensive to rulers . Give me wisdom to be actively involved in the Cambridge Community but justly, mercifully, and humbly.