Connect Matthew 17:26 with Romans 13:1-2 on submission to authorities. The Passages at a Glance “‘Then the sons are exempt,’ Jesus declared. ‘But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, 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.’” “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Why These Verses Belong Together • Matthew 17 shows Jesus asserting His divine freedom—yet voluntarily paying the temple tax. • Romans 13 calls every believer to submit to governing authorities because God appointed them. • Together, they illustrate that freedom in Christ never negates respectful obedience to legitimate authority. Digging into Matthew 17:26 • “The sons are exempt” – As God’s Son, Jesus owes nothing to the earthly temple He Himself ordained (cf. Hebrews 3:3–6). • “So that we may not offend them” – Jesus values witness over rights, choosing peace and avoiding needless scandal. • Miracle coin – Underscores His sovereignty: He provides the very tax He agrees to pay. Digging into Romans 13:1–2 • Authority’s origin – “There is no authority except that which is from God.” Even flawed rulers function under divine providence (Proverbs 21:1). • Consequence of resistance – Opposition to lawful rule invites judgment, whether civil penalties or God’s discipline. • Submission – Not a passive surrender but an active recognition that obedience to earthly rule is obedience to God, unless it contradicts His Word (Acts 5:29). Connecting Threads 1. Freedom and Submission • Jesus: free as Son, yet He submits. • Believers: free in Christ (Galatians 5:1), yet called to submit to rulers. 2. Witness to Outsiders • Jesus pays “so that we may not offend.” • We obey laws “to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:13–15). 3. God’s Provision • Coin in the fish—God enables obedience. • He equips us to pay taxes, follow laws, and honor leaders (Philippians 4:19). Practical Takeaways • Pay what you owe—taxes, fees, and respect (Romans 13:7). • Comply cheerfully, not grudgingly; your attitude preaches (Philippians 2:14–15). • Use lawful means to influence government (Acts 25:11; Proverbs 31:8–9). • Disobey only when commanded to sin, and then do so respectfully (Daniel 3:16–18). Living It Out • Remember whose you are—children of the King, yet servants in the world. • Let every interaction with authority reflect Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5–8). • Trust the Lord to supply what obedience requires, just as He produced a coin from a fish. Summary Truth Freedom in Christ never abolishes submission to God-ordained authority; it empowers joyful obedience that showcases the gospel to a watching world. |
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