Of course there are people who dislike those who see as God sees and do as Christ directs but good people are not on this account to give away holy things and cast aside the pearls they possess. Good people have a right to be good even if “the dogs” and “the swine” have no appreciation of the higher things of life. The continued possession of “pearls” and “that which is holy” has the approval of Jesus.
He even commands his followers to ask of God who knows what is best for them and who is described as “your Father” when it comes to giving to them. He wishes to be asked for what they want and gives “good things” in answer to their requests. This is information every child of God should have because it comes from the lips of Jesus and is inside information as regards God’s will as set forth in his word and also with reference to our own personal experience.
Money outclassed
When Jesus sent forth the twelve as described in the tenth chapter they were to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, a remarkable program, which they were to carry out with no gold or silver or brass in their purses. They were to preach without pay, serve without salary, minister without money. They were to outclass money, the medium of exchange, which bears the stamp of some established government. They were to take rank among men by doing benevolent work under divine direction and with divine assistance.
They were instructed to rely upon the people for the supply of their ordinary needs. No one was permitted to burden himself with two coats and thus belie his message and his Master. Their moral earnestness was to be maintained under all circumstances and in case any refused to receive them or hear their words they were to shake off the dust of their feet for a testimony against them.
“If God’s truth is to succeed,” says Dr. Gregg, “it must incarnate itself: if God’s cause is to win a victory it must embody itself in a person.” Men must be the truth in order to preach the truth in its purity and power. Ministers must be sent by Christ, receive authority from him, follow his program, outclass money and take rank among men as his representatives.
A Teacher Taught
Peter’s mistake with reference to payment of the temple tax which is recorded in the seventeenth of Matthew was not the only mistake Peter made. There were others and all were corrected, the correction in this case being memorable if not also unforgettable.
Peter promised payment without consulting Jesus. He thought he knew what Jesus would do in the case and to confess ignorance would lower him in the estimation of those who received the tax. But Peter had failed to consider the fact that as the Son in the house of his Father Jesus was free. Jesus points out Peter’s error as a friend who will not allow his mistake to be incorporated in his thought and life only to vitiate both.
Jesus takes account also of those who received the tax for they were not prepared to receive his explanation. His miraculous power is called into service to relieve the situation. And why not? Is not his Sonship called in question? He directs Peter where and how to get the required shekel. For a little while Peter returns to his former occupation but his skill as a fisherman is supplemented by the superior knowledge and power of Christ and so when he makes payment it is “for me and thee” because Peter’s position is not the same as that of the Master.