Open Ears Hear Better

Every year about this time, folks begin to think about 'paying Caesar'. Although not one of our favorite tasks, it must be done. In Jesus time, there was a temple tax levied on all Jews over the age of 20. This tax dates to the time of Exodus and was earmarked for the upkeep of the temple.

Now, because Jesus was Lord and owner of the temple, it was not for Him to pay the taxes.  But so we don't upset them needlessly, he paid them. (Verse 27) Jesus was not conforming to their world, but Jesus was teaching His disciples that they must give up personal rights so as not to offend. Ears that are closed, will not hear the message of salvation.

When possible, we should live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18) A tall order for certain. As humans we often feel entitled to certain things, and maybe rightfully so, but to what end? Jesus was teaching his followers to go the extra mile. Remember, ears that are closed, will not hear the message of salvation. 

Speaking of this group of men who were following Jesus, did you notice where it said the tax was levied on all Jews over the age of 20? Jesus and Peter were the only ones of their group who were approached by the taxmen. Are you as amazed as I that the rest of His chosen crew were under 20 years old?

The take-away from this familiar passage is rich.

·      Just because it is allowed, doesn’t it make best

·      Live by your convictions

·      Jesus doesn’t limit our ministry by our age

·      Don’t upset them needlessly

·      Ears that are closed, will not hear the message of salvation

Matthew 17:24-27

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Eat your crusts

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. (Matthew 22:15 ESV)

Was there a particular food you hated to eat when you were a kid?  I hated peas and bread crusts! I would hide the under the rim of my dinner plate until I could safely slip them to Whiskers, my black lab. She was always conveniently poised under the table by my chair, anticipating the forbidden treat.

Sometimes I would get away with this trickery, often I did not.  For my punishment, I had to sit at the table until I finished every bite. Some days this took hours.

As adults, we find some things difficult to swallow; taxes for instance.  We explore every legal option available to avoid paying more than we need to pay.  Like peas, taxes are part of our life, even if unpleasant to many citizens.  We see the value of each, but that doesn't mean we enjoy them.

When Jesus was asked about taxes and if He paid them to Caesar or not he said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's..." He further told His listeners they needed to acknowledge the authority of Caesar. Those who asked this question held ulterior motives, for this was an attempt to discredit our LORD. But, Jesus knew what was going on and called them on it.

There is more to the scripture verse quoted above.  The last part of the sentence is, "and to God what is God's." Perhaps Jesus is referring to the tithe with this statement.  As citizens of this land, we have a responsibility to our nation to pay taxes and the privilege to tithe to our God.

But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? (Matthew 22:18) Jesus knows our hearts in any situation. We may be able to fool others; we may even be able to lie to ourselves, but not to God.


Matthew 22:15-22

Fear, Taxes and Chains

It is the time of the year I despise the most: tax filing time.

The thought of having to file taxes drives me crazy. Getting started is not easy. I have to ensure I have my W-2s, 1099s, expense receipts and all other pertinent information. I have to run to the library to get forms. Then I have to print some out or mail away for others. It sometimes takes weeks before I can start the actual task of filling out the forms!

FDR famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Well, he got it wrong. The only thing I have to fear is filling out tax forms!

Today’s reading is Acts 12:6-19. Peter was chained in jail, awaiting trial which would probably lead to his conviction and death. God, however, sent an angel to release him. God had other plans for Peter, and those included proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

Today there are probably thousands of Christians who are persecuted, in chains or being put to death for their faith. So far, God has seen to it that I am not one of them. Nonetheless, I still have to contend with chains.

The chains are not physical ones, but rather are in my head. There are many tasks, like taxes, that I do not want to do, but that I have to do. I procrastinate; the chains keep me from starting.

God doesn’t send an angel to free me from my chains. Rather, he sent the Holy Spirit to help me. With the Holy Spirit, I can do those things that as a Christian I am called to do. Things like preparing for a Bible Study, or performing some other task at church, or shoveling snow or even doing my taxes. Praise God for the Holy Spirit!

I did get started with my taxes this weekend. Once I got started, it was mostly smooth sailing. Praise God!

Now I just have to do my daughter’s taxes. Aaaarrrrgggh!

Paying Taxes - Matthew 22:15-22

Was there a particular food you hated to eat when you were a kid?  I hated peas and bread crusts!  I would try to slip the crusts to Whiskers, my black lab, who was always poised under the table by my chair. I would slide peas off the plate and conveniently hide them, just under the rim, out of site.  Sometimes I would get away with this trickery, often I did not.  The punishment was to sit at the table until I finished every bite.

As adults, we find some things difficult to swallow; taxes for instance.  We explore every legal option available to avoid paying more than we need to pay.  Like peas, taxes are part of our life, if unpleasant to many citizens.  We see the value of each but that doesn't mean we enjoy them.

When Jesus was asked about taxes and if He paid them to Caesar or not he said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's..." He further told His listeners they needed to acknowledge the authority of Caesar.  He recognized the taxes paid for the benefits citizens received, like roads to travel on.

There is more to the scripture verse quoted above.  The last part of the sentence is, "and to God what is God's."  Perhaps Jesus is referring to the tithe with this statement.  As citizens of this land we have responsibility to our nation to pay taxes and the privilege to tithe to our God.

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.

Jesus pays temple tax - Matthew 17:24-27

There have been times in my life when a miracle, like the one Jesus performed in this selection of scripture, would have been so very welcome. Money struggles can cause pain and fear to take over one's life. It is times like this we need to have faith like Peter's.

First when Peter was approached by those collecting the temple tax and asked if they pay these voluntary taxes, Peter responded affirmatively. One commentary points out the fact their purse was empty and how Peter must have known this. His faith in Jesus allowed for him to answer this way. The miracle happens in the next scene when Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing, describing how he would catch a fish. He was told to open it's mouth and there would be money inside. Peter followed the instructions and was able to pay the taxes for Jesus as well as himself.

Jesus always provides us with our daily bread, all we have to do is believe. Many would read these scripture texts for today and hear about taxes and learn that Jesus pays taxes too. While this is all true, a bigger story, or as Paul Harvey would say, "The rest of the story is..." about the strong faith Peter had in his Lord and the miracle Jesus performed because Peter had faith.

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.

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