FAITH AND TAXES
Key verse: 22
NIV
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time
22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man(A) is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him,(B) and on the third day(C) he will be raised to life.”(D) And the disciples were filled with grief.
The Temple Tax
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax(E) came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
25 “Yes, he does,” he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes(F)—from their own children or from others?”
26 “From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense,(G) go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection
22 (A)As they were gathering[a] in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on (B)the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.
The Temple Tax
24 (C)When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of (D)the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, (E)“What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or (F)tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.[b] Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 17:22 Some manuscripts remained
- Matthew 17:27 Greek stater, a silver coin worth four drachmas or approximately one shekel
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. The gospel message (22-23)
When Jesus told his disciples that he must suffer and die and be raised to life, they were full of grief and did not accept his words. They were so full of their own human thoughts and plans that they could not accept God's will and work. There are still disciples who only accept the things in God's word that seem reasonable and right to them. The cross and resurrection are still stumbling blocks to proud people.
2. The temple tax (24-27)
Peter was caught off guard when a man came and asked him if Jesus paid the temple tax. He forgot that Jesus was God's Son; that he was the Master of the temple. Jesus taught Peter his divine Sonship and showed him that he is the Sovereign Lord of all things--he even owns the fish in the sea. We all need training until our reactions reflect faith.
Prayer: Lord, let your gospel be in my heart and be reflected in my life.
One Word: He died and rose to give me life
