How can we apply Jesus' example of avoiding offense in our daily lives? A Surprise on the Shore: Matthew 17:27 Revisited “ ‘But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch; and when you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.’ ” Why Jesus Paid a Tax He Didn’t Owe • The temple tax was for the upkeep of God’s house, yet the true Son of God was greater than the temple (17:24-26). • Still, He chose to pay—miraculously—“so that we may not offend them.” • His action balanced two convictions: – Upholding truth: He remained the spotless Son who owed nothing. – Pursuing peace: He removed a stumbling block that could hinder ministry. Core Lessons for Everyday Life 1. Distinguish gospel essentials from disputable matters. • Stand firm where Scripture speaks plainly (Galatians 1:8-9). • Yield personal rights on secondary issues to keep doors open (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 2. Seek peace without compromise. • “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) • Peace is pursued “as far as it depends on you”—not by diluting truth but by removing avoidable irritants. 3. Honor legitimate authority. • Jesus paid a tax. We pay dues, obey laws, and file forms—cheerfully (1 Peter 2:13-15). 4. Guard against becoming the issue. • The message should offend, not the messenger (1 Corinthians 10:32-33). • Courtesy, timely silence, and patient listening often soften hard hearts. 5. Use creative generosity. • A fish with a coin shows God’s knack for unexpected provision. • Meeting needs—sometimes in surprising ways—silences critics and magnifies the Lord (Titus 2:7-8). 6. Model humility in gray areas. • Adjust dress, language, or customs when among those who might stumble—without pretending or people-pleasing (Philippians 2:3-4). 7. Live uncluttered by offense online. • Before posting, filter words through Ephesians 4:29—will this “build up” or merely score points? • Delete sarcasm, share grace-filled truth. A Wider Scriptural Lens • Proverbs 19:11 —“A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” • Colossians 4:5-6 —Season speech with salt so you “know how to answer everyone.” • 2 Corinthians 6:3 —“We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that our ministry will not be discredited.” Putting It into Practice Today • Pay the bill you dispute if dragging it out will fog your witness. • At a family gathering, choose uplifting talk over divisive political sparring. • Volunteer at community events even if rules feel redundant—your presence earns a hearing for the gospel. • When mocked, reply “softly” (Proverbs 15:1) and move on; God can supply “coins” of vindication later. • Stay marvel-minded: if the Lord can hide currency in a carp, He can honor every cost you bear to keep from giving needless offense. |
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