Submission
Devotional
How should Christians respond to the governing authorities of the world? With submission. As Christians, we are called to submit ourselves, for the Lord’s sake, to every human authority, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Out of reverence for Christ, we submit not only to the world’s ruling authorities but also to one another in all ways, except when the law of man counteracts the law of God. Even Jesus was willing to submit himself to the very people he had authority over, suffering to the point of death on the cross for our salvation’s sake. Would you do the same?
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” 26 “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
MATTHEW 17:24-27
Questions:
- What stands out to you the most about Jesus from this story?
- What do you think of the fact that Jesus was willing to pay taxes in order to avoid causing offense?
- What lesson might Jesus be teaching us with his decision to pay taxes?
- When is it most difficult for you to yield your freedom(s) out of consideration for others?
- “There are things we need to know about our citizenship before we can embrace the freedom it provides.” What are your thoughts or reactions to this quote?
- How can you practice submitting to others out of reverence for Christ in this group?
Practice The Way of Jesus:
Sometimes we can have an agenda for God, whether spoken or unspoken, but often His agenda is different than our own. One of the goals we are to have is a heart of praise even when life feels like it's crumbling (Psalm 135:3). This week, consider journaling how you can grow in your praise and worship and ask God to help you remember your place before him.