Our Lord did not want the people to be offended because He, being a Jew, did not support the temple ministry. While Jesus did not hesitate to break the man-made traditions of the Pharisees, He was careful to obey the Law of God. They were trying to use this tax issue to club Jesus over the head with it.
When I worked for Dr. Waters, he used to have a saying that we would have to “De-Club Them!” Many in the Christian school would try to use homework given on the night of the revival to stay at home and not back up the revival because teachers gave homework. Dr. Waters would cancel homework during the meeting thus eliminating the club.
Sometimes, when pastor’s children get into sin, he has to remove them from the roll of the church (if they attend his church), lest members use that issue to club the work of God.
Sometimes, a pastor has to go out of his way and explain a certain part of his message, because someone in the congregation took something out of context and is now using the pastor’s own message to try to club him over the head. So he has to walk in humility and patience and explain what was the real truth, thus removing the club lest they beat upon the work of God.
People today use the raise and benefits given the pastor and staff or a certain move forward to try to turn it into a club to beat the work of God.
Hard to believe, but even JESUS had to de-club in his walk upon this earth. “Thank you” Dr. Waters for another valuable lesson taught to me.
Dr. Dennis Carter
Trinity Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC.
(Preaching at the Trumpet Banquet Feb. 7th, 2000)