For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Matt. 17
There is so much more in this story of the temple tax than what it seems on the surface! The temple tax was established by God through Moses and was required of every male 20 years and older except for those dedicated to temple service, such as priests and Levites. As a Rabbi, then, Jesus should have been exempt from this tax. Thus, those who questioned Peter about this were really challenging Jesus’ authority as a Rabbi. More than that, they were challenging Jesus identity as the Son of God.
Jesus’ response was truly amazing. Yes, He paid the tax so as not to offend those challenging Him. Yet He did it in a way that showed them that He really did have the authority they challenged. So once again He left them in a no-win situation in their efforts to discredit Him. His response actually went beyond silencing His challengers, though. There is something more in His statement, “Then the sons are free”. John pointed out in his gospel, “But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (Jn. 1:12). Thus, Jesus’ statement shows that we no longer owe the payment God demands. And it shows that He willingly paid what He did not owe.
Mark 9
The influence we have on others and the influence we let others have on us matters. A lot. We saw the other day that hindering someone from following God is quite literally doing the devil’s work. We again see that truth, as well as its antithesis, in Jesus’ words here. And, of course, what we can do for and to others, others can do for and to us.
The Bible actually speaks a lot toward letting outside influences draw us away from God. Remember, that’s exactly the tool that Balaam used to successfully invoke God’s curse on His people. We need to be careful that the things we allow to influence us move us in the right direction. Jesus goes so far as to say that if even your hand or foot or eye draws you away, you are better off without them. Which means there should be nothing we are not willing to sacrifice in our quest to follow Jesus.
Luke 9:28-62
Again we see that following Jesus is not an easy road. We need to be prepared and willing to let go of, turn away from, and do without anything that deters us from our commitment.