Devotional by J.Pierce

Read Time:

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6 minute read.

Prayer

"Heavenly Father Yahweh, thank You for the freedom we have in Yeshua. Teach us to walk humbly in that freedom, using wisdom to honor others and reflect Your peace in our lives. May we learn from Yeshua’s example to live with grace, maturity, and love. Amen."

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Introduction

Freedom in Yeshua is one of the greatest gifts of the gospel. It liberates us from sin, legalism, and fear of judgment. Yet, as believers, we are called to wield that freedom responsibly, using it to glorify Yahweh and edify others. In Matthew 17:24–27, Yeshua teaches us a powerful lesson: freedom isn’t about demanding our rights but about maintaining peace and advancing the gospel through humility.

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Scripture Exploration

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​When asked about paying the temple tax, Peter affirmed that Yeshua did pay it. However, Yeshua explained that, as Yahweh’s Son, He was exempt from such obligations. Yet, to avoid unnecessary offense, He chose to pay the tax. By instructing Peter to find the required coin in a fish’s mouth, Yeshua demonstrated His power, provision, and commitment to peace.

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Deep Dive: Balancing Freedom and Peace

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1. Freedom in Yeshua
   As believers, we are no longer bound by the law but live under grace through Yeshua (Romans 6:14). However, Yeshua’s actions remind us that true freedom doesn’t mean flaunting our rights. Instead, we use our freedom to build relationships and advance the gospel, just as He did by paying the temple tax.

2. Avoiding Unnecessary Offense
   Yeshua’s decision shows us that maintaining peace often requires small sacrifices. In non-essential matters, we can choose to go along with cultural or social norms to avoid creating barriers to the gospel. This does not compromise our faith but demonstrates humility and love.

3. Trusting Yahweh’s Provision
   The miraculous provision of the coin in the fish’s mouth highlights Yahweh’s care for our needs when we obey Him. It also shows that no situation is beyond His ability to resolve when we trust Him.

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Relatable Scenario: A Modern Context

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Imagine being invited to a community dinner where customs differ from your own. While you know certain traditions are not required of you, participating respectfully can foster goodwill and create opportunities to share your faith. Just as Yeshua paid the temple tax to avoid conflict, your humility could open doors for meaningful relationships.

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Core Message

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Freedom in Yeshua is not about asserting our rights but about walking humbly, wisely, and peacefully. When we prioritize others’ needs and Yahweh’s mission, we reflect Yeshua’s heart and demonstrate His kingdom values.

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Common Experiences

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In recent times, we’ve seen leaders who promise unity but deliver division, and others who promote secular agendas that drift away from the biblical values of integrity, justice, and compassion. From partisan divides to policy debates, we’re often pulled in different directions, making it challenging to stay grounded in truth.​

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Everyday Challenges

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In our media-driven world, discerning truth from deception requires us to be diligent. As we face conflicting messages, it can be tempting to follow the most charismatic leaders or embrace popular viewpoints. But we’re called to be vigilant, holding our beliefs and actions up against the teachings of Yeshua and the Word of God.

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Modern Connections

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In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where we must balance freedom and humility to maintain peace. For example:

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1. Workplace Dynamics:
   Imagine being asked to follow a policy or tradition at work that doesn’t align with your personal preferences or seem necessary. Instead of resisting, you choose to comply for the sake of unity and professionalism, reflecting Yeshua’s humility and grace.

2. Community and Cultural Interactions:
   Being invited to participate in cultural traditions different from your own—like standing during a moment of silence or joining a communal prayer. By engaging respectfully, you open the door for connection and mutual understanding.

3. Social Media and Conversations:
   Online discussions often tempt us to assert our rights or opinions at the expense of relationships. Choosing to respond with kindness and wisdom instead of winning an argument mirrors Yeshua’s approach of prioritizing peace over unnecessary conflict.

4. Family and Relationships:
   In family disputes, there might be moments when you know you’re in the right but choose to let go of the argument to maintain peace. This act of humility often creates opportunities for reconciliation and deepened trust.

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Life Stories

1. Modern Example of Humility:
   A Christian businessman pays a small fee he knows isn’t legally required in a foreign country. By doing so, he avoids conflict and builds trust with local partners, leading to opportunities to share the gospel.

2. Yahweh’s Unexpected Provision:
   A woman facing a tight financial deadline unexpectedly receives exactly what she needs in a refund check. It reminds her that Yahweh provides when she steps out in faith and obedience.

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Reflection & Application

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1. Examine Your Actions: Are there areas where you’re holding tightly to your rights at the expense of peace?

2. Practice Humility: How can you prioritize relationships over personal preferences this week?

3. Trust Yahweh’s Provision: In what situations can you step out in faith, trusting Yahweh to meet your needs?

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Closing Prayer​

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"Yahweh, help us to live with humility and grace, walking in the freedom You’ve given us through Yeshua while maintaining peace with others. Teach us to trust Your provision and to honor You in our actions, so that others may see Your love through us. Amen."

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Further Study:

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• Galatians 5:13: Using freedom to serve others in love.

• Romans 14:19: Pursuing peace and mutual edification.

• Philippians 2:3–4: Acting with humility and valuing others above ourselves.

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Concluding Thoughts:

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Yeshua’s actions in Matthew 17:24–27 are a profound reminder of how to live as children of Yahweh. Freedom in Yeshua doesn’t mean insisting on our rights—it means living with love, humility, and wisdom. When we trust Yahweh’s provision and prioritize peace, we not only reflect Yeshua’s heart but also make room for His glory to shine in our lives.