Be. Become. Do. - Day 15
Day 15 - Friday, September 29
Read Matthew 17
Highlight
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Ben Franklin
In Matthew 17, Jesus speaks on both death and taxes. We will get there in a moment.
Let’s start first on the mountain. Two key Old Testament heroes are Moses and Elijah. Moses wrote the Torah, first five books of the Old Testament, and God established his law through Moses. Then Elijah is one of the more known prophets of Israel and was expected to come again before the Messiah to restore all things in preparation of the Messiah’s coming. These two figures are extremely important in the Jewish faith. These Old Testament prophets appearing with Jesus on the mountain is a key reference to who Jesus is. He is better than Moses because he comes to fulfill the law. He is better than Elijah because he comes to truly restore all things and bring justice and true worship. While Moses and Elijah are important old Testament prophets, Jesus is far more important.
Now for death and taxes. In this chapter, Jesus predicts his death for a second time. The news is just as clear as before. Yet this time, the disciples' seem to understand, because their response is one of grief.
In Exodus 30:13, a temple tax is established and required for all Jewish males between the ages of 20 to 50 to support the work of the temple. This incident is unique to Matthew and scholars believe the interpretation has heavy significance. When Peter speaks for Jesus by saying he does pay the temple tax, Jesus asks a question that is different than one might expect. He asked “from whom do the kings of earth collect duty and taxes - from their own sons or from others?” (verse 25). This question and Jesus’ comment “then the children are exempt” (verse 26), implies that he is the Son of God and does not need to pay taxes to his father. Yet, Jesus explains that even children of God should avoid unnecessary offense.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 17
Highlight
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Ben Franklin
In Matthew 17, Jesus speaks on both death and taxes. We will get there in a moment.
Let’s start first on the mountain. Two key Old Testament heroes are Moses and Elijah. Moses wrote the Torah, first five books of the Old Testament, and God established his law through Moses. Then Elijah is one of the more known prophets of Israel and was expected to come again before the Messiah to restore all things in preparation of the Messiah’s coming. These two figures are extremely important in the Jewish faith. These Old Testament prophets appearing with Jesus on the mountain is a key reference to who Jesus is. He is better than Moses because he comes to fulfill the law. He is better than Elijah because he comes to truly restore all things and bring justice and true worship. While Moses and Elijah are important old Testament prophets, Jesus is far more important.
Now for death and taxes. In this chapter, Jesus predicts his death for a second time. The news is just as clear as before. Yet this time, the disciples' seem to understand, because their response is one of grief.
In Exodus 30:13, a temple tax is established and required for all Jewish males between the ages of 20 to 50 to support the work of the temple. This incident is unique to Matthew and scholars believe the interpretation has heavy significance. When Peter speaks for Jesus by saying he does pay the temple tax, Jesus asks a question that is different than one might expect. He asked “from whom do the kings of earth collect duty and taxes - from their own sons or from others?” (verse 25). This question and Jesus’ comment “then the children are exempt” (verse 26), implies that he is the Son of God and does not need to pay taxes to his father. Yet, Jesus explains that even children of God should avoid unnecessary offense.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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