24On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple taxe came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?”
25“Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter?f Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?g”
26“They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin.h Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” (Matthew 17:24-27)
Thoughts: Should the King pay tax himself? Do kings pay taxes to the people or do the people pay taxes to the king? Ironically, there are many who feel the government owes them, and they are dependent. However, normally, the taxes are paid to the king, and the tribute is given by the vassal and people to the king however small.
Jesus was asking Peter this- to point out as the King He has no duty to pay. He is the King of kings paying taxes to tax collectors. Jesus is not interested in suing, and did not debate the collectors. But He did want Peter to see a point. Not just that he shouldn't pay the tax, but that part of His humility in coming to earth is for the King to be a servant. For us, we need to soften our pride so that we do not mind being treated as servants and even serving others instead of expecting others to serve us.
The other lesson learned is that God provides for giving to God. Jesus knew the fish caught would have a coin that would pay the tax and more for both of them. Jesus didn't touch the fish. He didn't say the fish was dead on the shore with a coin in its mouth. These things would bring doubt. But catching a live fish on a line and then finding a coin is miraculous indeed. God can provide also for us when we are trying to give to Him.
Jesus was asking Peter this- to point out as the King He has no duty to pay. He is the King of kings paying taxes to tax collectors. Jesus is not interested in suing, and did not debate the collectors. But He did want Peter to see a point. Not just that he shouldn't pay the tax, but that part of His humility in coming to earth is for the King to be a servant. For us, we need to soften our pride so that we do not mind being treated as servants and even serving others instead of expecting others to serve us.
The other lesson learned is that God provides for giving to God. Jesus knew the fish caught would have a coin that would pay the tax and more for both of them. Jesus didn't touch the fish. He didn't say the fish was dead on the shore with a coin in its mouth. These things would bring doubt. But catching a live fish on a line and then finding a coin is miraculous indeed. God can provide also for us when we are trying to give to Him.
Prayer: Lord help me to entrust my honor and provision into your hands. Let me not mind being humble but let me also know who I am as your child- a child of the King.
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