Paying the Temple Tax
Cost of discipleship
In the passage of Matthew 17:22-27, we encounter a pivotal moment that demonstrates both the authority of Jesus and His compassionate nature. When confronted about the temple tax, Jesus reminds Peter of His identity as the Son of God, underscoring that He, being the author of such a tax given to Moses, holds no obligation to pay it. As the true King, yet in a remarkable display of humility and consideration for those around Him, Jesus decides not to assert His rights in this instance. Instead, He instructs Peter to go fishing, promising that he will find a coin in the mouth of the first fish he catches—enough to cover the tax for both of them. This miraculous provision not only serves the practical need to comply with the tax but also reinforces the themes of faith and dependence on God’s provision.
(ai summarized)
“As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.””