What Jesus Teaches Us About Humility, Offense, and Consideration

In a culture where offense is easily taken and rarely forgotten, how do we, as followers of Christ, navigate the tension between truth and love? This question sits at the heart of a powerful sermon based on Matthew 17:24-27, a brief but insightful passage where Jesus chooses humility over entitlement. Though exempt from the temple tax, Jesus pays it to avoid causing unnecessary offense. His response offers deep wisdom for anyone striving to live thoughtfully in today’s divided world.

Pastor Anthony begins by reflecting on how personality types (thinkers vs. feelers) and family dynamics (conflict-prone vs. conflict-avoidant) shape how we engage with disagreement. Many of us either avoid offense at all costs or lean too heavily into confrontation. Our natural wiring and early experiences deeply influence these tendencies, but Jesus offers a model that transcends both extremes.

In Matthew 17:24-27, tax collectors ask Peter whether Jesus pays the temple tax. This annual Jewish tax supported the temple’s upkeep and was typically paid by all Jewish men. Jesus, being the Son of God—the one to whom the temple ultimately belongs, is exempt. Yet instead of asserting his divine right, he instructs Peter to catch a fish that miraculously holds a coin to cover both their taxes. His reasoning? “So as not to give offense.”

Jesus models a rare blend of truth and love which is spiritual conviction without arrogance, and compassionate consideration without compromising righteousness. He isn’t afraid to offend when truth demands it, but he also avoids unnecessary conflict when it serves no greater purpose. This balance should deeply challenge modern believers. Are we more committed to our opinions than to our witness? Do we think more about being right than being loving?

Pastor Anthony expands this theme by addressing how Christian behavior is perceived, especially by nonbelievers. Paul’s writings in Philippians and Colossians echo this, urging believers to walk in humility, be gracious in speech, and think about others more than themselves. As the Pastor Anthony puts it, sometimes people aren’t offended because of our faith, they’re offended because we’re being unkind or inconsiderate.

From personal anecdotes to New Testament teachings, the sermon encourages believers to choose humility even when they’re entitled to something else. Whether it’s abstaining from alcohol around someone in recovery, avoiding divisive posts on social media, or simply choosing a softer tone in disagreement, these small acts of sacrifice mirror Christ’s heart.

Pastor Anthony closes the sermon with a reminder that God not only blesses us for our own sake but so that we can bless others. Just as Jesus provided the coin in the fish’s mouth, God equips us with what we need to walk in humility and love. Our resources, influence, and relationships are gifts meant for stewardship, not self-fulfillment.

Jesus showed us that love often looks like restraint, and humility sometimes means paying a tax you don’t owe. As we reflect on his example, we’re invited to evaluate our own words, actions, and priorities. Are we truly modeling Christ in how we handle offense, disagreement, and daily interactions?

This sermon is a call to live differently, to go the extra mile, to love even when it costs us, and to represent Jesus well in a world desperate for his grace and truth.