SUMMARY: Great catch
OVERVIEW: Jesus acted like a king by miraculously producing the temple coin from the mouth of a fish, but he lived like a servant by paying the tax.
BIG IDEA: Follow the leader—Jesus is Lord of all.
KEY VERSE: Matthew 17:27 (Jesus to Peter)
However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Don’t expect non-believers to understand me or my ways. Connect with them as best you can. Instead of clashing over cultural or political preferences, find common ground. Be a listener. Look for ways to serve them, and show my love to those who don’t yet know me. But do so because you authentically care for them. Don’t see people as projects but, rather, as people I love and that I want you to respect and enjoy.
Be consistent in your new way of living. You don’t have to obey when others want you to do evil or submit to a leader’s inappropriate plans. But you do need to follow the laws of the land as long as they don’t contradict mine. Stay close to me and walk with me, and I will help you discern the difference. I will give you the wisdom and courage to make changes when needed, and I will help you love each person who crosses your path.
NEXT STEP
Think of some people in your life with different values. Is there a way you can connect with them relationally without compromising your values? Pray for an opportunity to do so, and then follow through when God proves one.
LYRIC VIDEO