The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 189

Vers. 24:-27.-CJhrist paying tribute. I. THE QUESTIONmG DEMAND, The collector1t 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 owr 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. 'l'hus 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. Oomider hia great rights. He should not be liable even to & tax. He has a right to receive all. Yet he was treated as tho•lgh he were a subject and an inferior. His submission to indignities should not blind ue 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. 'l'hen be yielded. L The lover of peace will not always insist upon hia rig/its. 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 for every rightful claim which we might make. 2. The unselfish man wi1l sacrijic,e his rights for the good of others. Jesus had great rights; but he let the1;1 ~o, because he had not come to please- himself, but to give himself up for others. This 1e the great example and pattern for Christians. IV. THE STRANGE MIIIAOLB. We cannot understand this miracle. But, then, we- cannot really understand any miracle. It is simplest to thlnk of it as a miracle of knowledge. At all events, it has its lessons. 1. OhriBt waa poor. He had nob even the half-shekel when this was demanded. 2. CJhrist devis~d a new way of &atisfying tM demand, made upon him. He put himself about for the sake of peace, He did not wish to provoke opposition. Hie conduct was most conciliatory. 3. Ohriat displayed hu kingly power. While submitting to the wrongful treatment of him as cru. xvn. 1-27,) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 103