Matthew 17

“When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.’ And the disciples were filled with grief.” Matthew 17:22-23 NIV

In the above verses we have Christ fortelling his own sufferings. He knew that he would be delivered into the hands of the authorities. In the NLT, it replaces the word “delivered” with “betrayed” – Jesus understood all along that one of his own disciples would be the one to betray him. Christ knew that He would be killed and then raised to life by his Heavenly Father three days later. Despite knowing all this, He still humbled himself and undertook the work of our redemption.

“‘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 17:26-27 NLT

Here we have Christ ultimately paying for his and Peters Temple tax even though they would have been exempt, but yet the price was paid. Just as Christ paid the price for the taxes, He also paid the price for our sins, our debts, and bore our shame.

Christ’s mission was to endure the cross. May we learn to despise our personal sinful desires, our riches and worldly honours, and be content to follow His will. Just as Jesus followed his Father’s.