Study of Matthew April 14, 2024 Discussion Question: When have you attempted to give an opinion about Jesus that was wrong? Matthew 17:24 – 27 Have you ever given an opinion about something, but you really didn’t know the real answer? Human nature is that we want people to believe we know more than we really do. We want to be thought of as smart, intelligent, in the know. It is a dumb, dangerous, and potentially devastating for us or others to speak without knowing what the truth is. We are to be truth seekers and truth speakers! We are not to be opinion broadcasters. The age of fake news has infiltrated the church and too many desiring to sound super-spiritual and smart are proven to be false witnesses. It is something we must guard against because the world is always testing us. 1. Scrutiny Peter was the person the temple tax collectors used to scrutinize Jesus. Does your Master pay the temple tax? It is amazing how many people that say they don’t believe in Jesus, wonder what Jesus would do or is doing. On the other side, many so-called Christians try to water down or disprove Jesus’s words while the secular world wonders what HE does and has to say. Sadly, other religions point to Jesus as an example for us to follow but those that say HE is the Christ try to get by with doing as little as HE said as possible. In our text this morning, we have someone wanting to know what Jesus does and if HE is willing to do what others do. This idea has not changed…what would Jesus do is not a 20th Century slogan…it has been a question for over 2000 years. People want to know about this Jesus! By continuous surveillance and a searching examination they want to know what Jesus would do. Would HE do what I do? Will HE approve of what I do and what I believe? Will HE accept me like I am? What we say about Jesus matters! 2. The Rights of Sons After Peter gives his opinion on Jesus and taxes being paid, he starts to go in a house and it says Jesus prevented him. Meaning Jesus anticipated what Peter was dealing with; anticipated what Peter needed to ask; maybe even anticipated that Peter was going to ask for money. For Jesus this is not a guessing game; when we see someone’s countenance fallen and we try to anticipate what they are dealing with. o For Jesus this is foreknowledge; HE is all knowing Jesus asked an interesting question…do Kings tax their children? Peter gives the obvious answer. This is a tax for the Temple; the House built for God; God is the ruler of this house. Peter, had confessed a few weeks ago (Matthew 16:16) that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the Living God. Since Sons of Kings don’t pay taxes and Jesus was free from this obligation. The world will try to impose on us their values that Sons of the Most High God do not have to adhere to. Values about: o Divorce; sexuality; speech; authority of parents; free speech; how to steward the environment; holy days and holidays, etc. But a Son needs to know what his rights are as a child of God. 3. Stumbling Jesus makes an interesting statement in vs. 27: Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them We are to know our responsibility as the Children of God. We need to know when to stand and when to do no harm. It is a wise man that knows the difference between when to stand and when to comply. Jesus in this case, waves HIS privilege as the Son of God, paid the tax so not to offend…not to cause them to stumble. Romans 12:17 – 18 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (NIV) 4. Submission Jesus gives Peter specific instructions. We know that Peter is a fisherman and normally we see him as a businessman with a net…he is not interested in one fish, he wants a boat load…that’s how you make money…not with one fish But Jesus says, cast a hook… Peter the fisherman has to submit to the instructions that go against his preferred method. Furthermore, take the first fish and not the fish you prefer. Faithful obedience to following orders gets the need met.