Matthew 17:22-27 – Perfect Knowledge
Jesus Christ has perfect knowledge of everything that is said and done in this world. He knows exactly what has been said to Peter as if he had been standing right there. Christ sees all we do. He hears all we say. Concealment is impossible; hypocrisy is useless. We may deceive others, but the Lord sees right through us. We cannot deceive Christ. We can make practical use of this truth. We can strive to live knowing that the Lord is watching. It should be our daily aim to say nothing we would not like Christ to hear, and to do nothing we would not like Christ to see. Let us ask ourselves, “How would I behave if Jesus was standing beside me?”
We also see in these verses that Jesus has power over all creation. He makes a fish provide the money. The believer who goes out to do Christ’s work serves One who has all power, even over the beasts of the earth.
We also see in these verses that Jesus is willing to make concessions rather than give offense. He might justly have claimed exemption from the payment of this tribute money. He, who is Son of God, might fairly have been excused from paying for the maintenance of His Father’s house, but our Lord does not do so. He claims no exemption. He desires Peter to pay the money demanded. But it is done that none be offended. There are matters in which Christ’s people ought to sink their own opinions, and submit to requirements, rather than give offense and hinder the Gospel. God’s rights undoubtedly we ought never to give up, but we may sometimes safely give up our own. There are occasions when it shows more grace in a Christian to submit than to resist.
Questions
- Where does Christ get the money to pay the tax?
- Why does Christ pay the tax?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters