THE JEWS SOUGHT TO TRAP JESUS ON EVERY TURN, AND SATAN STILL SEEKS TO TRAP THE CHRISTIAN - BEWARE

1. Jesus was on His way to the Cross- the Jews grew more hateful- Matt 22:15- seeking to snare
2. Jesus came to His home in Capernaum (village of comfort) N. edge of Sea of Galilee -
3. But instead of finding a place of comfort, the Jews provided Him with spiritual battle-

The moment you seek rest- it seems like the kids tear the house down -Satan tempts you

I.- THE QUESTION OF TAXATION OF JESUS Matt 17:22-24

The most ordinary events of life can become trouble and temptation, - we must look to Jesus

A.- THE LEADERS OF THE JEWS SOUGHT CONTINUALLY TO BETRAY JESUS, AND TO TEMPT HIM TO SIN- 22-23

1. As Jesus journeyed closer to Cross- Satan tempted more-; and as you draw closer to Jesus- temptation.
2. They seemed to take turns spying, carrying tales, returning with new tests, never believing
3. We can be grateful we have never had Satanic temptation this severe- unless we help Satan!

B.- THE TRAP FOR JESUS THIS TIME CAME FROM THOSE WHO RECIEVED TRIBUTE MONEY- V. 24a Temple Taxers

1. This tax was instituted in Exo 30:11, & 38 26 needed to build the tabernacle in desert
2. It was continued -2 Chron 24:9, Josephus Antiq-18:9,1 -is any tax started ever dropped?
3. But this was not just a tax- it was a token to pay for the Atonement for the Soul- God's Son

C.- PETER, ONE CLOSE TO THE LORD, BECAME THE ONE TO BE USED TO SNARE JESUS IN THIS MATTER -v.24b

1. When people want to hurt Jesus-they attack His disciples-probe for a weak one-& found Peter
2. When people want to hurt the Church- they probe for a weak-willed member to use against past
3. Peter said "yes" -like a fish biting the bait!- & headed for Jesus to spring the trap. -hurt!

Would be better to rush to Jesus before agreeing with the enemy - Talk to your pastor!-

II.- THE ANSWER BY JESUS, PROTECTING PETER   17:25

There are some problems without a direct answer and sometimes even God has to evade our pushing

A.- JESUS "PREVENTED HIM". THE GLORY OF THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD SHOWN BY JESUS WITH KINDNESS

1. Jesus knew the hearts of men- he knew what Peter had done, and how to get him out of trap
2. He called him "Simon" he had changed his name to Peter- but he used his old carnal name-
3. Jesus knew the trap- he could not pay the Atonement tax- & be Lord of Temple- Matt 12:6-8

B.- JESUS ASKED PETER "WHO PAYS THE KING'S TAXES, HIS CHILDREN, OR STRANGERS?" v. 25b

1. In those days a king sent out tax collectors, almost unlimited powers- and great grafters-
2. Ezra 4:13 the Jews were known as paying taxes only when they could not get out of it-
3. But this was a Temple Tax. -& God would not collect from his Son- & His Son would not pay it

C.- WHEN PETER ANSWERED THE LORD'S QUESTION- "OF STRANGERS", THEN JESUS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FREE

1. Thank God for the great heritage we have in Jesus Christ- We become free-born sons.- Born free
2. We are not under bondage to the Law-with all its legal slavery Not Pharisees- but free
3. Be careful lest any man put you into Bondage again- we have no King but Jesus!- Stay free

We must not let our freedom make us lawless- but the ceremonies of past are over!

III. THE ACTION OF JESUS TO SAVE PETER 17:27

You may interpret this with humor, or with seriousness,- but end result is the same,-miracle

A.- THE REASON FOR THE SPECIAL ACTION "NOTWITHSTANDING, LEST WE SHOULD OFFEND THEM" v. 27a

1. The meekness and wisdom of Jesus- the enemy looking for scandal, a fight, Peter in trouble
2. We too need wisdom- I Cor 10:23 says "All things are lawful" -tells of freedom -Youth beware
3. But I Cor 10:31-33 tells of bondage of love, Gal 5:13-14 -walk in spirit and be truly free

B.- THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM - "GO FISHING" v. 27b A LOT OF PROBLEMS DISSAPEAR WHEN WE FISH

1. A lot of our temptations would vanish if we would go fishing-for souls!-try it and see!
2. Just as then- God uses the human agency to meet the problem!- You are cause- or solution?
3. Was this a joke or a miracle? I choose to believe a miracle- Jesus commanded- fish obeyed

C.- NOTE THE GENEROSITY OF JESUS, HIS KINDNESS TO THE ONE USED AS SNARE "FOR ME AND THEE" v. 27c

1. John 8:36 When the Son of man makes you free- you are free indeed- & rewarded for obedience
2. When we walk close to Jesus- He takes care of our problems- Phil 4:19- Supply all your need
3. It is no sacrifice to give up world's toys lest we offend- to take up fishing- & blessing

Will you come to Jesus with your problems - Talk with Him before yielding to world- & obey

EVEN THE SMALL INCIDENTS OF LIFE WITH JESUS ARE USED TO TEACH US HIS LOVE, AND HIS TENDER CARE

1. Jesus received Peter with kindness, and He will receive you too- if you will come to Him
2. Jesus removed the problem from Peter's shoulders- without offense- and helped him- you too
3. Jesus paid the tax for Peter as well as His own & He will help you escape Satan's traps

But you have to come to Him- this is why your pastor, counselors, are here to help.