Matthew the apostle wrote how, “the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle” Jesus “in his talk. Tell us therefore, What do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites?”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse nineteen of his book Matthew shared how Jesus instructed the Pharisees' disciples, “show me the tribute money” where we read:
Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
The verse reads, “Show me the tribute money.” Matthew began with the words, “show me” which means “furnish, exhibit, demonstrate and set forth” “the tribute money” which refers to “the currency and legal tender used for taxes, levy and census”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the disciples of the Pharisee to “furnish” Him the “money” used for paying taxes.
The verse continues, “And they brought unto him a penny.” Matthew added the words, “and they bought” which means “and the Pharisees' students presented” “unto him” or “to Jesus” “a penny” which refers to “a denarius which means containing ten and was the principal silver coin of the Roman empire and represented the ordinary pay for a day's wage and was equal to ten donkeys”. Matthew shared how the Pharisees' disciples presented to Jesus a “denarius” which was the proper “tax” for the day.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus began to answer the question of the Pharisee's disciples. They wanted to know whether Jesus thought is was “lawful” to pay “taxes” or not, and Jesus responded by telling them to provide Him with a “penny” or “denarius” which represented the taxes due and a day's wage. God desires to have a loving personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and if they are to align with His way of salvation, He is willing to go to great lengths and patience to allow them ample opportunity to make a decision for Him. May all who read these words understand the enduring patience of God as He continues to invite people to be a part of His Kingdom.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus asked, “whose is this image and superscription?” , so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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