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The old saying goes, the only thing one can be sure of is death and taxes.  As Jesus and the guys came into Galilee, they discussed both.  Jesus was now on mission.  He was preparing the men he had chosen to build the church.  As they came into town, Jesus flat-out told them, “I am going to be delivered into the enemies hands, killed, but, then will be resurrected.” The guys understood delivered, and they understood killed–resurrected, not so much.  The very thought of losing the Master was devastating to the disciples–they were truly filled with grief.

Next, Peter was approached by tax collectors–they wanted the temple tax. Peter asked Jesus, “Do we pay that?” Jesus asked the right question, “Do the King’s kids get taxed?” Peter thought–well no! Exactly, but, just to keep Peter’s word, Jesus showed how dad’s care for their kids–He sent Peter out to fish. Peter catches a fish and behold, in the fish is enough money to pay Jesus’ and Peter’s temple tax.  Jesus saw life as it was, and knew that God prepared, protected and provided for His own. He simply had to ingrain that into the disciples…So, He did!

In our lives, death and taxes are still real and still sure things.  As we travel through, we, like Jesus, need to understand that neither surprise God.  He promised and does prepare us, protect us, and provides for us just as He did with Peter.  If we can stay focused upon God, and don’t get swallowed up by the minutia of the world, then we will be able to look back at a life of meaning and purpose. We may not have all the bells and whistles–but, we will have eternal security in Him, and the Spirit to comfort and guide us while on the journey.  We must not be overwhelmed by the inevitable.  We must instead heed Paul’s words, “Do not be anxious about anything! But, in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, bring your requests to God! Then, the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

While life happens, Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the fullest measure!!!–Despite, death and taxes!

God Bless You

 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

The Temple Tax

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.”