Daily Bible Readings for Monday, 14 August 2006

I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely crushed," even when I was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted."

What can I offer the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will bring a wine offering to the Lord, to thank him for saving me.

I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did. You have saved me from death. I will give you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and offer my prayer to you.

- Psalms 116:10-13, 16-17

Jesus Speaks Again about His Death

When the disciples all came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be handed over to those who will kill him; but three days later he will be raised to life."

The disciples became very sad.

Payment of the Temple Tax

When Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Does your teacher pay the Temple tax?"

"Of course," Peter answered.

When Peter went into the house, Jesus spoke up first, "Simon, what is your opinion? Who pays duties or taxes to the kings of this world? The citizens of the country or the foreigners?"

"The foreigners," answered Peter.

"Well, then," replied Jesus, "that means that the citizens don't have to pay. But we don't want to offend these people. So go to the lake and drop in a line. Pull up the first fish you hook, and in its mouth you will find a coin worth enough for my Temple tax and yours. Take it and pay them our taxes."

- Matthew 17:22-27

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