Sermons Based on the Lectionary of the Syrian Orthodox Church

3rd Sunday after Shunoyo - the Festival of Assumption

Synopsis on Matthew 17:22-27

By V. Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy Cor Episcopa

3rd Sunday After Assumption

1. Jesus told the disciples the second time about His forth-coming death: Talk openly; share with others our problems and situations.

2. They were sorrowful to hear the disturbing news:

3. Caperneum was Jesus' headquarters in Galilee. Which is ours?

4. The tribute money miraculously paid: only in St. Mathew's Gospel.

5. All Jewish males 20 and over have to pay an annual half-shekel taxes (about two day's wages) to support the temple: Exodus 30:11-16; Nehemiah 10:32-33: Our responsibility to support the Church and its activities ... Model to pay in the maintenance of the church.

6. Giving is better than receiving: Acts 20:35. The fish opened its mouth to give to the Church and to God; How about us?

7. This tax was collected about a month before passover (an indication about the closing events of Jesus' ministry).

8. The questioning attitude of the critics.

9. Peter did not argue about paying taxes.

10. Jesus was born under the Law (Galatians 4:4). So no objection; Disciplinarian ... followed the rules and commandments.

11. Jesus, the eternal son of God, is free from the taxes of the temple system. Only "strangers" to pay taxes (Isaiah 60:10-17).

12. In order not to offend, Jesus told Peter to pay the taxes. Woe to those who create division: Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.

13. Our conversation: Proverbs 12:18: Creates pain and enmity ... heart feelings: James 1:9; 3:5.

14. Jesus is penniless.

15. Wealth and other things entrusted us: Luke 19:11-27; Rich people's activities: James 5:1-6; Truth, faith, justice: 2 Corinthians 10:4; Away from immoralities; Ezekiel 18:21.

16. Even with loss of wealth, avoid division: Abraham to Loth: Genesis 13:8-9; Blanket also: Matthew 5:40; St. Paul: 1 Corinthians 6:7; Make settlement before offer sacrifice: Matthew 5:22-23; Anger: Ephesians 4:26.

17. Jesus' power to solve the problem: Money from the mouth of the fish caught from the sea to pay tax.

18. Fish in the sea: Man in the sea of sins: To catch them with preaching and converting.

19. Worked and paid the tax: Work hard

20. Peter worked for Jesus and paid tax

21. Jesus paid tax for Him as well as for Peter: Assurance that He takes care of those who share with Him.

Source: Light of Light, Synopsis For Sermons And Meditations by V. Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy Cor Episcopa

See Also:

Sermons and Bible Commentary/Analysis for the 3rd sunday after Shunoyo

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