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‘Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an book, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee.’
Mat_17:27
I. Three instances.—Three instances, in the way of examples, will explain, in general, what the law of love is.
(a) The example of Christ. It was a question of the payment of the temple-tax—an annual contribution of two drachms required of each Jew for the support of the temple service. To the question, ‘Doth not your Master pay the double drachm?’ Peter answered, ‘Yes,’ but probably without taking in all the bearings of the question. So, in the house, Christ recalled the subject; and directing attention to the deeper principles involved, showed that strictly He was under no legal obligation whatever to pay this tax. The temple was His own Father’s house, the palace of the ‘great King,’ and as the Son, He was free. Whether He should assert His liberty, or pay, He would decide on another principle—the principle of looking away from Himself, and doing what would be best for others: ‘Notwithstanding, lest we should offend,’ etc. And there He seals and consecrates this law of love, this avoiding of offence, by a holy miracle.
(b) St. Paul’s rule of action as to the use of meats.
(c) Another relation of the same apostle. According to the Divine order, he was entitled to be supported while ministering in Holy things. But what do we find the great Apostle doing? Day and night labouring with His hands, to support himself, so as not to be chargeable on any of the struggling churches. ‘Not that I have not power,’ etc. (2Th_3:8-9; 1Co_9:2-23).
II. Its characteristics.—From these examples we can trace the chief elements or characteristics of this law.
(a) Action under it really is from love, out of loving desire to promote the well-being and happiness of others, and do the most good.
(b) It belongs to the sphere of liberty. The Christian through knowledge is free from all men, but through love he becomes the servant of all. Love must be free. It cannot be exacted by legal penalties or discipline.
(c) It is developed and followed through knowledge and strength. ‘We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.’ Suppose those for whom you are asked to give up so much are ignorant, narrow-minded, superstitious, weak people. This is your chance to let them, in the brotherhood of believers, have some help and safety from your knowledge and strength.
(d) This law of love becomes a law of duty. While in liberty, it is something to which we are under Christian obligation. Simply because love is duty.
III. Of reasons which specially enforce the law.
(a) It expresses a higher principle of action than its contrary. Selfishness is one of the lowest, worst, and meanest things in human depravity.
(b) It is the way of usefulness. The Apostle adopted it as such. It gives blessed power for good.
(c) It is the way of true happiness.
Illustration
‘A piece of money.’ A stater, probably the Greek stater of Antiooh, with the head of Augustus on one side, and a crowned figure representing the city of Antioch on the other. Its value was about that of a shekel, and would pay both for our Lord and Peter.’