Gospel

The Temple Tax

by Roland Crim
04/22/18
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Matthew 17:24-27 NIV

Back in His hometown, presumably staying at the house of Peter, is our Lord. The collectors of the temple tax approach Peter, the man of the house, and ask if Jesus paid the temple tax. I am sure they were looking for a reason to bring an accusation against Him. But Peter said that yes, the Master would pay the temple tax.

When Jesus conversed with Peter, and asked Him who would be excluded, Peter agreed that children of the kings would be exempt. Jesus, the Son of God, would certainly have qualified to be exempt from a tax associated with the temple. Jesus however did not wish to bring a potential charge of Him being adverse to paying a tax associated with the temple.

Why is it that He chose the manner He did to provide the money needed? I believe He wanted this to be another example to Peter of His power to do that which man could not. Peter was the lead disciple. Also, I do believe Peter may have wondered how Jesus would handle this situation, as Peter had spoken on His behalf, saying that He would pay the temple tax.

Does Jesus do actions for us that no human can? Of course He does. He wants us to know, without doubt, that He is God’s only Son. Keep your whole being alert. Believe that the Lord does for you. Thank Him for all that He provides. Praise Him always!