Skip to main content

157. Fishing for Taxes


Exodus 30:11-16, Matthew 17:24-27, Rom.13:1-7, Philippians 4:19
Key Verse: “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

Isn’t it depressing to learn that even Jesus was cursed with taxes while He lived on this earth? In this case, however, the tax we are talking about isn’t a Roman tax, but a temple tax, required from the time of Moses for maintaining the tabernacle. Each year, every man over the age of 20, would pay this tax as part of the Jewish census. This was not the same as the tithe, which is given to demonstrate trust in the Lord's provision as part of repentance and cleansing. This tax was above the tithe, given to maintain the temple and, I suppose the local synagogue as well.

It’s unclear what the attitude of the person is here who asks if Jesus pays His temple tax. Was it an attempt to once again accuse, or was the questioner sincere? Peter was probably the one asked, however, because he must have appeared to be in leadership in Jesus’ group of followers.

Jesus, once again being aware of all things, sends Peter back to his old profession for a moment to meet the need. The fish would provide for both Peter and Jesus.

The question is, is that really the main point of the story? True, it’s yet another wonderful example of how God provides, but in doing so, that is not what Jesus wants to talk about with Peter. Jesus really wants to address the issue of who belongs to God.

“What do you think Simon, from whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes, from their own sons or from others?” (Matt. 17:25) It’s an interesting question to which Peter responds, “from others.”

Then Jesus says, “But so that we will not offend them…” and He sends Peter out to the lake to fish. Jesus is letting Peter know that he is different. He is with Jesus. He is no longer under the law, but he is with Christ. Therefore, technically, Peter is free from man’s law, but because man would not understand if He and Peter did not comply, it is important to comply so as not to create any unnecessary barriers to a potential relationship.

In Christ, we too are no longer under the law, but we need to be careful not to use that freedom to offend or antagonize those who are not yet free. Paul says it this way: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:9) What good is it to practice your freedom and ruin your witness to those around you? Paul also instructs: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Rom.13:1-7) Remember, God is watching and the world is too. As Christians, we should be the best citizens we can unless our government asks us to go against God’s law, but that’s a subject for another day.

Hymn: “God Will Take Care of You” 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

211. The Sons of Thunder's Request

Matthew 20:20-28 , Mark 10:35-45 , Key verse: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." Mark 10:43B-44 In our readings for yesterday, in which Jesus outlined what was about to happen to Him, for His disciples, the passage in Luke ends: "The disciples did not understand any of this. It's meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about." ( Luke 18:34 ) Now, we see just how truly clueless they were. Jesus had laid out a plan before them of pain and suffering and death and now James and John are focused on a promotion. The disconnect is so obvious. It's really not important to know whether James and john came up with this request on their own or if their mother put them up to it. The request was made and James and John thought that they could handle the responsibility that would come with it. What is that saying, "Fools rush in where angels fe...
Post a Comment
Read more

204. Come Like a Child

Psalm 127 , Matthew 19:13-15 , Luke 18:15-17 , Mark 10:13-16 Key Verse: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 The attitude of the disciples isn't much different than the attitude of many people, even Christians, today. Instead of seeing children as a blessing from the Lord, too many regard them as a burden to bear that gets in the way of our own selfish happiness. Family size is determined by what we think we can afford rather than openness to God's blessing, trusting God to provide. Satan hates children. Children represent innocence. The sooner he can corrupt and or damage a child, the happier he is. This is why Jesus warned in Matthew 18:6: "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drown in the depths of the sea." To corrupt or damage ...
Post a Comment
Read more

174. Pleading for the Fig Tree

Proverbs 27:18 , Luke 13:6-9 Key Verse: He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18 We have here three main characters: a master, who acquired the tree in hopes of eventually enjoying its fruit, a servant, who looks to the tree to reflect his care and attention, and lastly, the tree itself. The master has the right to expect his investment to pay off. The servant, who has obviously put much effort into the tree, would also like to see fruit. The servant's interest is not only to show his own talent in gardening, but because he wants to please his master. Both the servant and the master are dependent upon the tree to do what it was designed to do. Their little parable is an interesting way for Jesus to finish off His exhortation to, "repent or perish."  God is the Master. He had a purpose for you before you were even born. ( Jeremiah 1:5 & Psalm 139:16 ) He planted you on this earth to ful...
Post a Comment
Read more