Greatness in Submission
J.A. Macdonald Matthew 17:22-27 And while they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:… The originality of Jesus meets us at every turn. The men of this world seek greatness in self-assertion and resistance - by force and cunning. Christ exhibits it in condescension and patience. I. THE GREATNESS OF JESUS IS SEEN IN HIS PASSION. 1. His submission there was voluntary. (1) He foresaw it. (a) It was predicted. He was perfectly conversant with the prophets. (b) He enlarged upon their anticipations. How circumstantial are his words (see vers. 22, 23)! (c) His clear foresight was an ante-Passion. (2) He could, have avoided it. (a) For he was "the Son of man." As the true Adam - the innocent and perfect Man - he might have claimed Eden. He was under no obligation to suffer. (b) But he was also "the Son of God." In this quality he was acknowledged at his Transfiguration (see ver. 5). Under these titles alike equally glorious attributes of Divinity are ascribed to Jesus. He was the Arbiter of life. His own life could not be forfeited without his consent. (3) Yet he died. The "betrayed" of the Old Version is "delivered up" in the New (ver. 22). His manhood was surrendered by his Godhead. The voluntariness of the sacrifice of Christ was superlative, infinite. 2. Behold now his greatness in the grandeur of his purposes. (1) In the Passion of Christ we have the most wonderful revelation of God. Where else can we find an equal exhibition of the greatness of his love? It is also the most glorious vindication of his truth (cf. Matthew 26:24; Acts 2:23; Acts 3:18). (2) Atonement is made for human sin. "They shall kill him." "Without shedding of blood there is no remission." (3) The gospel has to be authenticated in the resurrection. "And the third day he shall be raised." Death was the necessary prelude to a resurrection. Note the occasion of the sorrow of the disciples. The prospect of the death of their Master swallowed up as it were that of the resurrection, of which also they had been pre-informed. So do the trials and sufferings of this life so fill our minds as to prevent our rejoicing in the blessedness of the glories that are to follow. (4) To all these great purposes of the Passion of Christ add this, viz. that in it he is our Pattern. The believer is crucified with Christ. And that union with Christ which he finds at the cross carries him back into the life of his earlier history, and forward into the life of his resurrection. Men are at their greatest in this wonderful union with their Lord. II. THE GREATNESS OF JESUS IS SEEN IN HIS SUBMISSION TO TAXATION. 1. Look at the fact assuming the tax to have been a Roman impost. (1) Beza and Jerome were of opinion that the tax here, as in ch. 22:7, was paid to Caesar. On that supposition the inquiry may have been, "Is your Master of the opinion of Judas of Galilee, that tribute should not be paid to Caesar?" (2) Peter took it as matter of course that his Master would pay the tax; but Jesus put the matter to him in an unexpected light. We know Christ only as he reveals himself. The revelation was given, not to the tax gatherer, but to Peter. Truth is variously seen as it is viewed in relation to the world and in relation to Christ. The Word gives a distinct testimony to the worldly and co the spiritual. (3) But where is the point of the reference to the "kings of the earth"? Might not Jesus, as the "Son of David" and rightful Heir to the throne of Israel, have contested the matter of the tribute to Caesar? As the "Son of man," was he not Heir to the royalty of the whole earth (cf. Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-6; Hebrews 2:6-9)? In this he is "higher than the kings of the earth." (4) Had Jesus urged these things upon the tax gatherer and contested the matter with Caesar, he would have sought greatness as the men of the world seek it. But to that he would not. stoop. God is in no haste. At the proper time "he will take to himself his great power." (5) So can the sons of God afford to wait for the great day of their public honour when they shall claim the freedom of the universe. 2. Look at the fact understanding the tribute to belong to the temple. (1) This is the sense in which it is generally taken. A half shekel was expected from every master of a Hebrew family to provide salt for the offerings and other things not otherwise provided for (see Exodus 30:11-16; Nehemiah 10:32). (2) According to this view, then, our Lord refers to the "kings of the earth" as in contrast to the King of heaven. The temple for whose service the tribute was expected was the house of God; but Jesus was the Son of God - the Prince (cf. Daniel 9:25, 26). So was he Lord of the temple, and free (cf. Malachi 3:1; John 2:16; Hebrews 3:6). Jesus might have claimed exemption upon higher ground than that on which exemption was conceded to the priests who ministered in the temple. (3) Those who are Christ's share in his rights as the sons of God. Hence the manner in which Jesus associates Peter with himself in this matter of the tribute. "For me and thee" (ver. 27). The disciples of Jesus, like the priests that ministered in the temple, should be free. And here is a hint that disciples of Jesus should be released from Levitical obligations in general. (4) Instead of arguing this question with the collector, Jesus left it to be disposed of by the issue of events. How truly great is he in his calm self-possession! 3. Now look at the manner of his submission. (1) He waives his claim in tenderness toward the prejudices of men. "Lest we should offend them." Note: Men occupied in worldly concerns are most ready to be offended with the saints in money matters. Lest these persons, being ignorant of his Divine character, should impute his refusal to impiety. Love will conciliate prejudice. (2) Consider further the extent to which he carried that tenderness. A miracle is wrought to avoid giving offence. How original is the conduct of Christ in this! How great is he in that originality! (3) Here, then, is our Example. The loving Spirit will do anything for peace but sacrifice justice and truth (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:13; Romans 16:13). Note: The business of Christians is with the morals of the world rather than with the politics of nations. In improving the morals of the world they go to the very root of the evils in the politics of nations. 4. View the greatness of Jesus in his superiority to the world. (1) He elected poverty. What poverty is this! He has not in possession fifteen pence to satisfy a collector of tribute. Note: The original disciples did not follow him for worldly gain. His high example may reconcile his disciples to privation. (2) But what resources are associated with this poverty! The miracle of the fish showed omnipotence and omniscience in many ways. The fish must be taken; it must be taken immediately; it must bring up money; the first fish must bring it up; the coin must be a stater. Note: The disciples of Jesus in their poverty may trust his providence. He can as surely supply their needs without as by miracle. (3) The poverty of Jesus was voluntary. The power which commanded that stater could have summoned boundless wealth. It is Christ-like to forego opportunities of wealth for the kingdom of heaven's sake. (4) When will men discern it practically, that there are better things than money? - J.A.M. Parallel Verses KJV: And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: WEB: While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men,