Apples of Gold

When we moved to the Mid-Ohio Valley, driving around the city of Parkersburg was initially quite challenging and even confusing. My lane would unexpectedly become a turn lane that forced me onto a One-Way street, taking me in the completely wrong direction. I prefer encountering these types of scenarios in the pages of a book or perhaps while viewing a movie with a surprise ending. In real life the predictable plot of a Hallmark Christmas movie is often more desirable. 

The Word of God is filled with unforeseen encounters, some serendipitous and others tragic. Guessing what Jesus would do next was almost unfathomable as his response was frequently counterintuitive and yet completely precise and flawless. 

Peter often assumed Jesus’ response incorrectly. Here is just one example to consider:

On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 

“Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. 

 But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 

“They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. 

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free!  However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us”. Matthew 17:24-27

Nobody saw that one coming! Peter’s impetuous behavior, in this case, was presumptuous and inaccurate. The text reads as though Peter confidently responded on behalf of Jesus, without consulting Jesus before postulating the accuracy of his retort. This approach rarely ends well, and once again, Peter assumed wrong!

We are all guilty of operating from assumptions from time to time. The unextended invitations, un-offered opportunities, the decisions made on behalf of another, without their input can be helpful or hurtful. Personally, this one has been difficult for me at times. “I didn’t think you would be interested”, “I assumed you were too busy” have occasionally left a resonating sting as the words bounce off the dark walls of an unfulfilled dream. 

Here’s a bit of direction we can all benefit from:

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13

How often do we sit as judge and jury by determining the response an individual would have without ever giving them the opportunity to prove us wrong? Rarely, do we err on the positive side. We are far more likely to pronounce undeserved judgment. No one enjoys being on the receiving end of this, and sometimes the cruel error becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as someone responds out of hurt and anger. 

Notice Jesus didn’t ignore Peter’s error. He didn’t go and talk about it to the other disciples, or make him an example in his next blog post. Jesus went directly to Peter and confronted the situation head-on. Peter didn’t even have a chance to speak. I wonder if he would have jubilantly told Jesus how he had valiantly defended him? Perhaps Jesus was sparing him further embarrassment by getting to the heart of the matter before Peter dug a deeper hole?

Jesus had a way of speaking the truth with a love and mercy that allowed those who he was correcting to be motivated to become more like him.  This graciousness is not reserved for a select few. Every follower of Jesus is expected to both give and receive correction with patience and compassion.  

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Jesus doesn’t stop with correction. He provides an unexpected solution. In order to avoid offense, the tax would need to be paid. 

Jesus could have produced a coin out of thin air, or likely pulled one out of the treasury, so why the fish? 

This whole mess started when Peter thought he had Jesus figured out. It is pretty safe to conclude that Peter did not expect to be digging a coin out of a fish’s mouth. Maybe he would be a bit more cautious with his assumptions in the future?

A few helpful reminders:

~ Even when I dig the hole, God is ready to step in and provide a way out. 

~God’s provision is often in a form that is unexpected and supernatural. 

~God often requires me to be part of the solution. 

Sometimes I need to dust off my fishing pole, or formulate a genuine apology. Sometimes God gives me the opportunity to put down the shovel and walk away before I start digging recklessly. Sometimes he hands me the shovel and gives me the invitation to make things right. 

Christian maturity is a challenge to develop. Offering grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness to each other is nonnegotiable. 

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12—14