Before Peter became a disciple of Jesus, he fished for a living. Here his faith was tested because Jesus told him how to fish. Everybody knows that fish don’t swim around with coins in their mouths. In a kingdom, the king’s sons do not pay taxes. Jesus really didn’t have to pay a tax to a temple that belonged to his Father. But Jesus paid it anyway so the tax collectors and citizens would not think something bad about him.
Jesus paid the temple tax because he didn’t want to make people mad for such a small thing. He wanted everyone to know the reason he came to earth—to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus paid the tax so that even the hated tax collectors would have the opportunity to accept him as their savior.
Think About This: We are here to point people to Christ, not to demand our rights. Our real home is in heaven. We are visitors on planet Earth for a short time. Leave a heavenly memory of your earthly visit!
Memorize This Truth: “I am free. I belong to no other person, but I make myself a slave to everyone. I do this to help save as many people as I can” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
Can you think of three ways to give up your rights so that people will listen to you talk about the Lord Jesus?
COPYRIGHT 2005 CAREY KINSOLVING
Kids Color Me Bible May Be Reproduced Freely for Educational Purposes
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ERV Translation Used By Permission of World Bible Translation Center