Our Scripture reading for today is Matthew 17:24-27
[24] After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?”
[25] “Yes,” he answered.
When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”
[26] “From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. [27] “But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.”
In our text, people asked Peter whether Jesus paid the temple tax. The Temple Tax was an annual tax that Jews paid for the upkeep of the temple.
Obviously, Jesus had not been paying the tax. He explained why in verse 25 and 26, “What do you think, Peter?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared.
In ancient times, it was customary for rulers to exempt their own family from taxes that were imposed on their subjects. Jesus uses this cultural norm to illustrate a heavenly principle: As the Son of God, He is the ultimate “son of the King” and thus technically exempt from the temple tax. However, to avoid being a stumbling block to others, Jesus tells Peter to pay the tax.
There is a great principle being taught here.
When my middle child was about three, her big sister wanted her to share some candy that she had. She took the problem to their mother. Her mother handled the problem by saying, “Jesus wants you to share.” Upon hearing this, the three-year-old left the room (hopefully to get that candy to share) and returned with her Bible. She laid the Bible before her mother and said, “Show me.”
We may smile when a 3-year-old does this but are sad when grown adults try the same thing.
Instead of such an attitude, here are three reasons why things are wrong.
Number 1. Some things are wrong because God said they are wrong. Adultery and murder are wrong. Period.
Number 2. Some things are wrong because others think they are wrong. (Romans 14:20 and 21).
Number 3. Some things are wrong because we think they are wrong. (Romans 14:23).
Don’t just say, “Show me,” but strive to do the right thing.
Lonnie Davis