Matthew 17, Msg

24 When they arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, “Does your teacher pay taxes?”

25 Peter said, “Of course.”

But as soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. “Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays—his children or his subjects?”

26-27 He answered, “His subjects.”

Jesus said, “Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us.”

DON’T ROCK THE BOAT NEEDLESSLY…
For the sake of maintaining public identification with their Jewish heritage, Jewish Christians should join non-Christian Jews in paying the tax. The principle is that we must sometimes engage in otherwise unprofitable pursuits for the sake of upholding our witness as citizens of the communities where God has placed us.

JESUS CARES ABOUT OUR SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Like a good prophet, Jesus knows in advance Peter’s question. He also does not regard the poll tax as binding on himself or Peter, but recognizes that the tax collectors may. So, He does not rebuke Peter for committing him; he wishes to avoid unnecessary cause for misunderstandings that might turn people away from his gospel unnecessarily. Jesus has offended (literally “caused to stumble”) members of the religious establishment before, but this is an unnecessary “stumbling block” because it addresses one’s own rights rather than the truth of God’s kingdom.

SURRENDERING “RIGHTS” FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL

Jesus’ point here is similar to Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 9 and 10:29-33: one should sacrifice one’s own privileges for the sake of the gospel. Head or poll taxes normally listed specific exceptions who would not have to pay. Conquerors subjected conquered peoples, not their own subjects, to taxation. Priests were exempt from the two-drachma tax cited here. Most significant here, dependents of a king were naturally exempt from his taxes.

JESUS SUPPLIES OUR NEEDS AS WELL AS OTHER NEEDS

The four-drachma coin probably is a Tyrian stater, precisely enough to pay two persons’ temple dues. Following an old Greek story, some Jewish stories of uncertain date speak of God blessing pious people by leading them to find precious objects in fish. If Peter knew of such stories, the moral of Jesus’ causing him to find money in a fish would not be lost on him. This is irony of a sort: the King’s children can pay the tax because the King gives them the money to do so. Jesus can take care of his people who walk close to him.

JESUS TRAINS PETER TO BE A PART OF THE MIRACLE

Jesus, the Master Teacher, includes Peter in the process by sending him to use the skill he has as a fisherman, to obtain what is needed to satisfy those in charge, maintaining respect for the current government.

Yes there is more to this little “side story” of Jesus. What do you think?

Dear Heavenly Father, There is always more to the story of You. You make us think beyond the words to your lesson’s intent and objective. You help us mature in our faith by helping us see things Your way. Continue to teach us, Lord. Forgive our lack of applying your teaching. Help us to repent and move on. Thank you, dear Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name, Amen