Christ paying tribute.
I. THE QUESTIONING DEMAND. The collectors of tribute asked with uncertainty, but perhaps also with suspicion and a desire to entrap St. Peter, whether Christ paid the regular temple tribute. This was expected of our Lord because he was a Jew. St. Peter answered in the affirmative without a moment's hesitation. This confidence of the apostle then induced Jesus to discuss the question. It is not reasonable to submit to any demand of men until its claim has been justified. Many people are singularly believing and compliant among men, while they are full of doubts and objections in regard to the demands made on them by God.
II. THE ROYAL LIBERTY. If Christ was indeed the Son of God, it could not be right to require the tribute from him which went from other men as from servants and stewards.
1. Observe our Lord's calm claim, it is sometimes assumed that the first three Gospels do not record any great claims on the part of Christ; that his lofty demands are only to be found in the Fourth Gospel. Thus it is attempted both to discredit that Gospel and to reject the claims themselves. But here we have a most exalted assumption of dignity. Could a mere man speak thus? And Jesus, let us always remember, was lowly and unselfish.
2. Consider his great rights. He should not be liable even to a tax. He has a right to receive all. Yet he was treated as though he were a subject and an inferior. His submission to indignities should not blind us to the majesty of his rights.
III. THE GRACIOUS ACQUIESCENCE. Though he might have stood upon his rights, Jesus was satisfied with explaining the situation to his over hasty disciple. Then he yielded.
1. The lover of peace will not always insist upon his rights. A man may be perfectly justified in resisting a certain demand, and yet it may be wisest for him to submit. When it is a question of principle there must be no compromise for the sake of peace, and when others are involved we are not at liberty to permit their rights to be trampled on through our meek submission. A Hampden is justly honoured as an unselfish patriot. But when it is only a question of our own personal convenience, it is often wisest and most Christ-like not to stand up stiffly forevery rightful claim which we might make.
2. The unselfish man will sacrifice his rights for the good of others. Jesus had great rights; but he let them go, because he had not come to please himself, but to give himself up for others. This is the great example and pattern for Christians.
IV. THE STRANGE MIRACLE. We cannot understand this miracle. But, then, we cannot really understand any miracle. It is simplest to think of it as a miracle of knowledge, At all events, it has its lessons.
1. Christ was poor. He had not even the half shekel when this was demanded.
2. Christ devised a new way of satisfying the demands made upon him. He put himself about for the sake of peace. He did not wish to provoke opposition. His conduct was most conciliatory.
3. Christ displayed his kingly power. While submitting to the wrongful treatment of him as a subject, he revealed his true kingly supremacy even over nature, in the fish of the sea.—W.F.A.