New Testament- Lesson 121

Matthew Chapter 18- Part 1

Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven- Read (Matthew 18:1-5) (Mark 9:36, 37) (Luke 9:46-48)

Matthew writes....The disciples came to Jesus and asked him "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus called a little child to him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke writes......A dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them would be greatest.  Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child, set him in their midst, and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all will be great."

Jesus advocated a child like attitude (conversion) for entry in to the kingdom of Heaven. Humble, trusting, not disputing or seeking prominence, power or privilege; receiving others as receiving Christ and considering oneself as of no importance. The one humbling himself as a little child would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and the one who truly considered himself least would be great.

365 Blessings- Devotional 44

Start Your Day Right-21

Devotionals From Ecclesiastes-42

Words Of Jesus Devotionals-42

New Testament- Lesson 120

Matthew Chapter 17- Part 5

Miracle in the mouth of a fish- (Matthew 17:24-27)

When Jesus and his disciples had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?" He said, "Yes." When he had come into the house, Jesus knowing all, asked Peter, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?" Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus replied, "Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for me and you."

Temple tax was a tax that was used for the upkeep of the Jewish Temple.......
This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary. The half-shekel shall be an offering to the Lord. (Exodus 30:13)
Special tax collectors were assigned to collect the tax because some did not care to pay it.
The tax was a half shekel (two drachmas) and Jesus miraculously provided a four drachma coin to pay for Peter and for himself.

Interestingly, Jesus remarked that the sons are free from paying the tax, implying that he being the son of the Most High God did not have to pay tax for the upkeep of the temple that belonged to his Father.
Matthew doesn't write that Peter did what Jesus asked him to, but that is a certainity.
Though the name of the fish is not mentioned here, Tilapia is sometimes called St. Peter's fish.

365 Blessings- Devotional 43