Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Jesus Pays the Temple Tax

24After 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?”
25“Yes, he does,” he replied.  (Matthew 17:24-25)

Thoughts: Exodus 30:11 (Neh. 10:32) speak of the voluntary tax for the purpose of materials for worship.  The Temple tax was used to pay for sacrificial animals, wood, salt and other worship materials.  It was in addition to the regular tithe and was seen as voluntary.  This was why the question was asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"  Peter's immediate reply was that he does.  Jesus was not a rebel against the system.  He was a reformer who wished to make things focused on God again.  Ironically, Jesus paid taxes to the system that eventually led to his own death.  It was not that Jesus did not think that the religious officials were right morally and spiritually. He knew of their sin and spoke against it.  In some ways his paying the tax gave him a platform and right to speak out against the corruption.  In a similar way, we live in the midst of an imperfect church.  We give not because the church is perfect or never makes mistakes.  We give to the Lord- not to any minister, program, or institution.  We give in faith that when we are generous to support the work of the Lord, He will use it and bless us.  Jesus sets us this great example.  

Prayer: Lord, I am not perfect, I do not believe perfectly.  Help my belief.  Your church and body here is not perfect either.  Help me to support your cause even if it is imperfectly lived out on this side of heaven.  

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