That Take, and Give Unto Them for Me and Thee
The Lord's thoughtfulness and empathy towards us is demonstrated in His provision and care for our needs, even before they arise.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the loving foresight of Christ in the miracle of providing tribute money for Peter, illustrating how Jesus anticipates our needs even before we voice them. He highlights that Jesus not only addresses our needs but also takes on our burdens, showing His deep compassion and care for us. The sermon reflects on how Christ makes our struggles His own, ensuring we are not left to face our challenges alone. This act of provision serves as a reminder of His constant presence and support in our lives. Ultimately, Jesus demonstrates that He is intimately aware of our circumstances and is always ready to help.
Text
There is a beautiful touch of loving thoughtfulness in the account of Christ's miracle at Capernaum in providing the tribute money. After the reference to Peter's interview with the tax collector, the Scriptures add, when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him (17:25); that is, anticipated him, as the old Saxon word means. Jesus arranged for the need before Peter had to speak about it at all and sent him down to the sea to find the piece of gold in the mouth of the fish. So the Lord is always thinking in advance of our needs. He loves to save us from embarrassment. He anticipates and cares by laying up His loving acts and providing before the emergency comes.
Then with exquisite tenderness the Master adds: That take, and give to them for me and thee.
He puts Himself first in the embarrassing need and bears the heavy end of the burden for His distressed and suffering child. He makes our cares His cares, our sorrows His sorrows, our shame His shame. He is able to be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Thoughtfulness
- The Master's Exquisite Tenderness
- The Lord's Empathy
- Being touched with the feeling of our infirmities
- Sharing our cares, sorrows, and shame
Key Quotes
“That take, and give to them for me and thee.” — A.B. Simpson
“He is able to be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We can trust the Lord to provide for our needs before they arise, and to care for us in advance.
- The Lord's empathy towards us allows Him to understand and share our sorrows and shame.
- We can find comfort in knowing that the Lord puts Himself first in our need, bearing the heavy end of the burden for us.