Then the subjects are exempt.
But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,
and take the first fish that comes up.
Jesus sets an example of not insisting on his own rights. The Son of God he is not a foreigner to the King of Kings. As his Son he is exempt from the temple tax. But rather than insist on his rights Jesus pays the tax to avoid giving offense. Why was he eager to avoid giving offense? He certainly insisted on other teachings of his in a way that did offend. Here, apparently, it wouldn't help. No one would learn. It would only cause problems. Yet we often choose to give offense rather than forego our rights. We do it not because we need the money that the temple tax costs but because our pride requires that we insist on our own way. Perhaps, at least occasionally, we can intentionally follow Jesus in this regard in our that we might learn humility.
Jesus seldom insisted on his own way. He didn't break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick (see Matthew 12:20). He is equal to God but never grasped at equality with God. He is innocent but allows himself to be put to death for us.
The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,
and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."
And they were overwhelmed with grief.
We are free to decide how to respond to Jesus now. But one day every knee will bow before him. This desire to not give offense is actually a willingness to patiently wait in mercy. He himself gives the example now of how we can lay down our own pride and surrender or own will to him. For Jesus it is a free gift to us. He longs for us to return it in freedom. Let us do it now in freedom while his patience and mercy allow. When he reveals his glory on the last day every knee will bow. To the willing, to those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus, it will be a great delight and joy.
Upon it was seated, up above, one who had the appearance of a man.
Upward from what resembled his waist I saw what gleamed like electrum;
downward from what resembled his waist I saw what looked like fire;
he was surrounded with splendor.
Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day
was the splendor that surrounded him.
Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
May the vision of the glory of God wash over us today. Let us not insist on any pride or self will in the face of that glory. Let us surrender completely and cry out, 'Maranatha!'
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
No comments:
Post a Comment