And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying [*and they were exceedingly sorrowful], and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. (Luke 9:43-45; *Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32)
Jesus' three years ministry on earth is coming to an end, and He has been preparing the disciples for what is going to happen to Him when they arrive in Jerusalem. From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21) Peter had even protested that such a thing would happen, but Jesus corrected Him very sternly. (see THE GOSPEL: Crosses and Denial are Necessary) So why do they now not understand this saying. It's called selective memory, an ability to remember some facts while apparently forgetting others, especially when they are inconvenient. Matthew's account makes that very clear, by using the phrase they were exceedingly sorrowful.
We all may experience deep sorrow over the loss of a relationship or a relative or a close friend; But as God is faithful, .... For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, ...—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (II Corinthians 2:18-22) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) Suffering and sorrow are a part of life, but they are temporary. What God has for us after this is so much better, but until our time comes, Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:8-12)
When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” (Matthew 17:24) As was Jesus custom, ever since He was a child (Luke 2:41-52), as He arrived in an area, He would go to the temple. The Jews leaders' customs and traditions were such, that they were charging an additional temple tax, instead of trusting God to provide enough through the people's tithes and offerings to take care of all the needs of the temple. When Peter goes to tell Jesus what the temple tax collectors said, Jesus' response is very interesting: And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 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.” (Matthew 17:25-27)
A couple of observations: First, even if we know we're free to do or not to do certain things, everyone doesn't have that same feeling of liberty; the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them. Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” [Isaiah 45:23] So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.(Romans 14:1, 10-13)
Second, God has blessed us with many talents and abilities, and we are to use what we have to get what we need. And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. (Matthew 4:18) Jesus didn't tell Peter to go catch a fish for the fun of it; Peter was a fisherman, so he used the ability God gave him to provide for their needs. God has given each of you a gift. Use it to help each other. This will show God’s loving-favor. If a man preaches, let him do it with God speaking through him. If a man helps others, let him do it with the strength God gives. So in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ. Shining-greatness and power belong to Him forever. Let it be so. (I Peter 4:10-11 NLV) Peter did what he was told to do, without doubting or questioning, and he found a piece of money, just as Jesus said he would, to pay their temple tax. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20)
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