Scripture: Matthew 17:22-27 (WEBBE)
22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?”
25 He said, “Yes.”
When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
Reflection:
In this passage, we find Jesus and His disciples in the midst of two significant conversations—one about His impending death and resurrection, and the other about paying the temple tax. Both discussions reveal deeper truths about Jesus’ identity and His approach to earthly systems and obligations.
Jesus begins by foretelling His death and resurrection, a prophecy that deeply grieves His disciples. This revelation of His impending sacrifice is a reminder of the ultimate mission of Christ—to lay down His life for the salvation of the world. The disciples, however, are overwhelmed with sorrow, struggling to comprehend the necessity and the hope embedded in Jesus’ words.
As the narrative shifts to the matter of the temple tax, we see an interesting exchange between Jesus and Peter. When asked if Jesus pays the temple tax, Peter quickly affirms that He does. Jesus, however, takes this opportunity to teach a lesson on His divine authority. He asks Peter whether kings collect taxes from their own children or from others, implying that, as the Son of God, Jesus is exempt from such obligations.
Yet, Jesus chooses not to exercise this exemption in order to avoid causing offense. Instead, He instructs Peter to catch a fish, where he would find a coin sufficient to pay the tax for both of them. This miraculous provision highlights two key truths: first, Jesus’ authority over creation, and second, His willingness to submit to earthly systems for the sake of others.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives in two significant ways. First, do we trust in God’s provision? Just as Jesus provided the exact amount needed through a miraculous means, we are reminded that God is aware of our needs and capable of providing in ways we might not expect. We are called to trust in His care, even when we cannot see the way forward.
Second, do we exercise our freedom in Christ with wisdom and love? Jesus, though free from the obligation to pay the tax, chose to do so to prevent unnecessary offense. We too are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as God’s children while also considering the impact of our actions on others.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the assurance of Your provision and for the example of humility and wisdom You set before us. Help us to trust in Your care, knowing that You are fully aware of our needs. Teach us to live in the freedom You have given us, using it to serve others and to glorify Your name. May we follow Your example in all things, seeking to honor You in both our actions and our relationships. Amen.
Contemplation:
Spend some time in quiet reflection, considering areas of your life where you need to trust in God’s provision more fully. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and to open your eyes to the ways He is already at work. Also, think about how you exercise your freedom in Christ. Are there areas where you could be more mindful of others, choosing to act in love and consideration? Invite God to guide your steps in these matters.