Monday: 19^th Week in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22: Circumcise your heart, Love the stranger, for you were strangers.

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27: They will put the Son of Man to death, and he will be raised to life again. The sons are exempt from tribute.

The Messiah Foretells His Death, and Resurrection (2^nd Time):

Deliver up by God, Mt 17:22-23

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the pivotal points of human history, the hub of God’s plan for eternity. All that the Scripture says about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ speaks to every generation of people. (see notes Mt 16:21-23;20:17-19; Mk 8:31-33;9:30-32;10:32-34).

1. He foretold his betrayal (v.22)

2. He foretold the guilty party (v.22)

3. He foretold his death (v.23)

4. He foretold his resurrection (v.23)

The Messiah Reveals Himself Through Good Citizenship, 17:24-27

Jesus being the good teacher and the Messiah teaches his disciples through intensive training about the importance of good citizenship. He is God’s Son, and every believer is responsible to be a good citizen.

1. Jesus was visited by tax collectors (v.24)

a. They questioned Peter instead of Jesus

b. They asked if Jesus was a tax-dodger

2. Jesus demonstrated good citizenship: he paid taxes (v.25)

3. Jesus made a unique claim about his own citizenship (v.25-26)

a. He is the Son of a King, of God

b. He is of another kingdom, of heaven

c. He is free of the earthly kingdom

4. Jesus set the standard for citizenship: To keep others from stumbling (v.27)

5. Jesus demonstrated his citizenship and Messiahship: He paid the tax miraculously (v.27)

Thought: Jesus Christ taught his disciples and the people by the example of paying tax to the temple (sin offering/atonement) and the government (tax), how to become a good citizen of the earth and the kingdom of God.

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