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Avoid Confrontation

Gospel
Matthew 17:22-27
'They will put the Son of Man to death'

One day when they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men; they will put him to death, and on the third day he will be raised to life again.’ And a great sadness came over them.
    When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel came to Peter and said, ‘Does your master not pay the half-shekel?’ ‘Oh yes’ he replied, and went into the house. But before he could speak, Jesus said, ‘Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from foreigners?’ And when he replied, ‘From foreigners’, Jesus said, ‘Well then, the sons are exempt. However, so as not to offend these people, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that bites, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for you.’

Reflection
In this situation Christ was asked to pay tax even though he  was a local. However so as not to offend the collector he paid the tax. If he did not he might create a scene. What  we can learn from this is avoid confrontation.Many times we face people who for their own reason want to pick a fight. We have a choice. Confront or do what Jesus did. Which do you choose?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus by paying the shekel you avoid confratation. May we always follow your footstep when face with the same situation.

Amen


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