The Coming Passion:

Matthew 17:22-23 “...As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed...”

Mark 9:30-32 “...They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him...”

Luke 9:44-45 “...Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying...”

What did Jesus know?

• He knew He would be delivered into the hands of men.
• He knew He would be killed.
• He knew He would rise on the third day.

Why didn’t the disciples understand?

• It was concealed from them.

• They were afraid.

How does distress affect our ability to understand reality?

• When we want what we want we aren’t free to see clearly and accept reality.

• The words of Jesus are plain enough, but we are confused by our preferences.

What is the value of “...Let these words sink into your ears...”?

• The words of Jesus are the words of reality.

• Any words that contradict the words of Jesus are deception.

• The words of Jesus proclaim truth and prepare us to face reality.

• We can get beyond distress and fear when the truth sinks in.

• Some words aren’t for the present, but will be needed for future benefit.

Fishing for Taxes:

Context:

• Jesus was Transfigured on the Mount.
• Jesus delivered a boy from a demon.
• Jesus told of His upcoming death and resurrection.
• Now Jesus moves from the supernatural to the natural - paying taxes.
• Or does He?

Matthew 17:25-27 “...He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself...”

What was the two-drachma tax?

• It wasn’t a tax from the Roman government.
• It was a yearly temple tax, paid to the Jews.
• It was used to purchase animals for the daily sacrifice; wood, incense, etc.
• It was a voluntary offering.

Exodus 30:13 “...Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the LORD...”

• The temple tax was likely derived from the ½ shekel offering

Why did Jesus imply that the tax need not be paid?

• Kings do not tax their own sons.

• The two-drachma tax was for the temple-service.

• This service was for God.

• The Son of God wouldn’t be required to pay this tribute.

Why did Jesus say that they would pay the tax?

• To avoid offending the Jews.

• Did Jesus always go out of His way to avoid offending the Jews? [NO]

How did Jesus come up with the money for the offering?

• Supernaturally.

Would you like to have your taxes paid supernaturally?

Are you able to pay your taxes by the Grace of God?

How much did Jesus give for the ½ shekel offering?

• A whole shekel.

• Twice the expected amount.

Why?

• It was for “...for me and for yourself...”

• They may have been at Peter’s house, which exempted the other disciples.

• I would have liked it to be a demonstration of going the “second mile”, but this doesn’t appear to be the case.

Does Jesus help you meet your obligations?