Good morning! In Matthew we read about Peter’s encounter with the temple tax collector. Enjoy today’s reading and your day.

Bible Verse  – Matthew 17:24-27 NLT 
“²⁴ On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?” ²⁵ “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.

But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” ²⁶ “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! ²⁷ However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Reflection
It was required by custom, that the people pay temple taxes (Exodus 30:13-15; Nehemiah 10:32) each year to support the temple. In this case, the collectors have come to collect. However, Jesus makes this another learning lesson on our identity in Christ, our submission to authority and provision that Christ Jesus provides.

• Jesus asked Peter if Kings collected taxes from their own sons, or from others. In response Peter confirmed taxes are not collected from family members (they were exempt), but they would collect them from others. Here Jesus reminds us that not only should he be free of taxes as King (the true King), but also his disciples who are sons of the kingdom.

• Jesus did not make an issue over this point, because He knew it was a trap to accuse Him of not following the law.

• Remember, Peter knew Jesus’ character and said,“Yes, he does,” before he spoke to Jesus. He knew Jesus would always do what was right.

• In this way, the Lord instructed Peter to pay the tax. While Peter had to work to pay the taxes, the Lord gave him clear instructions from beginning to end on where to go, what to do (using his gift and talent of fishing), what he will find (Jesus had proved himself several times on his instructions for fishing – so Peter trusted Jesus’ direction) and how Peter (because Jesus used him) will take care of not only what Jesus owes, but what he owes too. Jesus took away Peter’s debt then and He took care of Peter’s debt and our debt on the cross – a debt Jesus did not owe but He willing paid because He loves us.

• The Lord always provides us a way. Amen? Amen. 

Prayer
Father God, thank you for your provision. We praise you for all you have done and continue to do on our behalf. Lord, forgive us when we don’t put our trust in you. Lord, forgive us for the times when we sought our own way or the world’s way instead of Your way. Lord, teach us to trust you over and over again. There is no doubt that you are God over all. Lord, help us to submit our ways to your ways. Lord, continue to teach us your ways in small and simple steps of faith, and big faith. Train our ears to hear you when you speak to us. Lord, continue to convict our hearts to receive and believe your word and direction for our lives. Lord, help us to live in truth, with integrity of character and fully embrace the freedom that you have given to us. Lord, we pray for those in authority that you will break their hearts for what breaks yours. Lord, help them to see You and desire to make a difference in the world and the communities around us for the good. Lord, we (the whole world) need you. Be with us. Provide a way for those who are struggling today financially, mentally, physically and spiritually. Lord, keep us and equip us to point others to you.

Lord, continue to comfort those who are grieving today. Lord, be with the widows and orphans. Lord, strengthen their hearts and give them peace of mind. Lord, we pray for those who are making decisions this week. Lord, guide our thoughts and give us discernment and wisdom as we go about the week. Lord, we pray for those seeking employment and we ask that you open up doors for opportunities. Lord, place them in work environments that are healthy, secure, and allow them to grow.

In Jesus name, amen!

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