The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 198

light. We know Ohrist only as he reveals himself. The revelation was given, not to the tax-gatherer, but to Peter. Truth ie variously seen as it is viewed in relation to the world and in relation to Christ. The Word gives a distinct testimony to the worldly and '° the spiritual. (3) But where is the point of the reference to the 11 kings oft.he earth"? Might not Jesus, as the" Son of David" and rightful Heir to the throne of Israel, have contested the matter of the tribute to Cresar? As the "Son of man," was he not Heir to the royalty of the whole earth (cf. Gen. i. 26; Pe. viii, 4-6 ; Heh. ii. 6--9)? In this he is II higher than the kings of the earth." ( 4) Had Jesus urged these things upon the tax-gatherer and contested the matter with Cmsa.r, he would have sought greatness as the men of the world seek it. But to that he would not stoop. God is in no ha.ate. At the proper time II he will take to himself his great power." (5) So ca.n the sons of God afford to wait for the great day of their public honour when they shall claim the freedom of the universe. 2. Look at the/ad understanding the tribute to belong to the temple. (1) This is the sense in which it is generally ta.ken. A ha.If-shekel was expected from every master of a. Hebrew family to provide salt for the offerings and other things not otherwise provided for (see Exod. xxx. 11-16; Neh. x. 32). (2) According to this view, then, our Lord refers to thra "kings of the earth" as in contrast to the King of heaven. The temple for whose service the tribute was expected was the house of God; but Jesus wa.s the Son of God -the Prince (cf. Dan. ix. 25, 26). So was be Lord of the temple, a.nd free (cf. Mal. iii. 1; John ii. 10; Heh. iii. 6). Jesus might have claimed exemption upon higher ground than that on which exemption was conceded to the priests who ministered in the temple. (3) Those who are Christ's share in his rights as the sons of God. Hence the manner in which Jesus associates Peter with himself in this matter of the tribute-. "For me and thee" (ver. 27). The disciples of Jesus, like the priests that ministered in the temple, should be free. And here is a. hint that disciples of Jesus should oo released from Levitical obligations in general (4) Instead of arguing this question with the collector, Jesus left it to be disposed of by the issue of events. How truly great is he in his ea.Im self-possession I 3. Now look at the manner of his submission. (1) He waives his claim in tenderness toward the prejudices of men. "Lest we should offend them." Note: Men occupied in worldly concerns are most ready to be offended with the saints in money matters. Lest these persons, being ignorant of h.u Divine character, should impute his refusal to impiety. Love will conciliate prejndice. (2) Consider further the extent to which he carried that tenderness. A miracle is wrought to avoid giving offence. How original is the conduct of Christ in this 1 How great is he in that originality I (3) Here, then, is our Example. The loving Spirit will do anything for peace but sacrifice justice and truth (cf. 1 Cor. viii. 13; Rom. xvi. 13). Note: The business of Christians is with the morals of the world rathtr than with the politics of nations. In improving the morals of the world they go t" the,vcry root of the evils in the politics of nations. 4. View the greatness of Jesus in /iis superiority to the world. (1) He elected poverty. What poverty is this! He has no; in possession firteen pence to satisfy a collector of tribute. Note : The original dis-- ciples did not follow him for worldly gain. His high example ma.y reconcile his dis- ciples to privation, (2) But what resources are associated with this poverty I The miracle of the fish showed omnipotence and omniscience in many ways. The fish must be taken; it must be taken immediately; it must bring up money; the first fish must bring it up; the coin must be a stater. Note: The disciples of Jesus in their poverty may trust his providence. Re can as surely supply their needs withont as by miracle. (3) The fOverty of Jesur was voluntary. The power which commanded that stater could ham summoned boundless wealth. It is Christ-like to forego oppoi;- tunities of wealth for the kingdom of heaven's sake. (4) When will men discern it practically, that there are better things than money ?-J, A. M. Ver.1.-The mission of the selected ones. On three occasions it is reported that onr Lord took three of the disciples apart with him; and it was al ways the same three. We need not, however, assume that the reported cases were the only cases. Observing them, we note that they were representative instances. In the first case, the raising of the little maid, special witnesses were needed for the surprising miracle, the restora.- tion of the dead. In the other two cases-Transfiguration and Gethsemane-we have 202 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [oH. xvu. 1-37.