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.
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