"Lest We Offend Them"

Matthew 17:27
"Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you." 

If you really want to make trouble, start by coming between anybody and their money or their right to it. Here in Matthew and also in a number of passages Jesus is being "set up" by the powers that be, trying to trap Him into breaking the Law. Jesus decides to miraculously pay the "temple tax" in order to settle the foolish matter. Knowing a little bit about the heart of man, the corruption of legalism and the way evil systems function... I am surprised that coin from the mouth of the fish wasn't taxed, or a bribe offered,  or a claim from the rightful owner of the coin filed.

Whether it is the government, the community, the business, the family, the church or an individual, when it comes to the ownership or right to money, there can be trouble. Nevertheless, as Jesus said, when possible, do not offend over money. The love of it is a root of trouble.

So glad He owns it all. He has paid for me and you, so we do not need to trouble so much over money. But we do. God, I pray you make us better stewards of Your resources.

In His Service,
Pastor Fred