Greatness in submission
The originality of Jesus meets us at every turn. The men of this world seek greatness in self-assertion and resistance—by force and cunning. Christ exhibits it in condescension and patience.
I. THE GREATNESS OF JESUS IS SEEN IN HIS PASSION.
1. His submission there was voluntary.
(a) It was predicted. He was perfectly conversant with the prophets.
(b) He enlarged upon their anticipations. How circumstantial are his words (see Matthew 17:22, Matthew 17:23)!
(c) His clear foresight was an ante-Passion.
(a) For he was "the Son of man." As the true Adam—the innocent and perfect Man—he might have claimed Eden. He was under no obligation to suffer.
(b) But he was also "the Son of God." In this quality he was acknowledged at his Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:5). Under these titles alike equally glorious attributes of Divinity are ascribed to Jesus. He was the Arbiter of life. His own life could not be forfeited without his consent.
2. Behold now his greatness in the grandeur of his purposes.
II. THE GREATNESS OF JESUS IS SEEN IN HIS SUBMISSION TO TAXATION.
1. Look at the fact assuming the tax to have been a Roman impost.
2. Look at the fact understanding the tribute to belong to the temple.
3. Now look at the manner of his submission.
4. View the greatness of Jesus in his superiority to the world.