Our paragraph topic is: (Paying the Temple tax) Part 2.
Simon Peter was returning from the chores of the day, speaking with the people, walking in the market place, meeting with old friends, etc. He had come to be known amongst the people. He had some connections. He was recognized as a follower of Christ and his disciple. So people came to him. People recognized him. People in the villages and towns knew of him as he traveled with Christ. But Simon was not yet known as the leader of the church that was about to come. He was not yet seen as Christ's representative here on earth.
Christ recognized him as a leader. Christ trained him to lead. He gave him knowledge that he gave to no other disciple, knowledge that would be called upon to lead the people after the sacrifice . So he tested Simon to see if he had learned what was being taught. He questioned him about the lessons that he was given. And he asked specific questions of Simon to see what his response would become. So when Simon returned from his chores Christ asked of his learning. But when he had entered the house, Jesus spoke first, saying, "What dost thou think, Simon? “From whom do the kings of the earth receive tribute or customs; from their own sons, or from others?"
Tribute was a touchy subject in those times just as it is today. Christ wanted to know the thoughts of Simon Peter. He wanted to demonstrate to him a lesson. He wanted to show him that there was no reason to worry or to allow the trials and tribulations of the day to infect his mind and soul. Just as Jesus wanted to instruct Peter in his time, he wants to instruct us today about all the issues that we as a people face. He wants to comfort us. He wants to protect us. He wants to provide for us just as he did with Simon.
We worry about the issues that we face each day, especially for those who do not have the wealth of riches. And even those who do have wealth, they worry also how to keep that wealth, how to hold on to it and not loose it or have it taken from them. Yet it is that same wealth the same riches that becomes the reason for our downfall, the prison for an eternity. Worry opens the door to anxiety about what we will eat, where we will sleep, will we have a roof over our head, what clothes we will wear, and many other issues we face daily. It is these issues that will lead us astray. It is these issues that will pressure us and force us to make decisions that could cause us to lie, cheat, steal, bear false witness, commit adultery, and all manner of sins against our father. And they all stem from our disbelief in the Lord of the Universe, our God.
Our Father sent his only son from heaven that he may teach us and instruct us how to live, how to have joy, how to have peace. He sent Christ Jesus to us that we may have life, first and foremost. We were dead! We had no life! We are spiritual beings in a physical body. We were doomed for an eternity in our physical bodies, and Christ came and gave us spiritual life, life beyond the physical. Believe and you shall receive. Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.
Do not worry. Do not fret. Trust in the Lord and he will provide. Worry no more. Fret no more. Receive the gift that God has in store for you. I have. I trust. I know the truth. My destiny has been rearranged that I may walk in the way of the Lord and I see miracles in my life each and everyday. Believe in the Lord and practice "perfect patience" and you will witness miracles. Come! Walk with me and I will show you how to receive the light of the Holy Spirit. He will reveal all to you. God our father loves you. Christ loves you and so do I.
Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ. The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.
