New Testament: Matt 17.26–27

To read the Bible in a year, read Matthew 17 on January 24, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

We are not of this world. Therefore, we are not subject to the taxes of this world, nevertheless, we still pay them because we are here to save people, not from taxation, but from sin. So, we have to pay taxes because we do use the government’s money, and we want to open the hearts of those watching us. Listen to an exchange between Jesus and Peter: 

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 17.26–27 

If we seek to do the right thing, the Lord will provide what we need to do the right thing, which is what Jesus showed Peter. 

Let us not rebel against the world unnecessarily, but let us conform ourselves to its regulations that we might open doors for good works and for evangelism. 

Questions: 

• Do you pay taxes grudgingly? 
• Do you use anything of the government’s? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com