Scripture:
Matthew 17:22-27 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Second Prediction of His Death
22 As (A) they were meeting [a] in Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised up." And they were deeply distressed.
Paying the Temple Tax 24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax [b] approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax?" (B)
25 "Yes," he said.
When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, [c] "What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or from strangers?" (C) [d]
26 "From strangers," he said. [e]
"Then the sons are free," Jesus told him. 27 "But, so we won't offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and catch the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth you'll find a coin. [f] Take it and give it to them for Me and you." (D)
Footnotes:
Matthew 17:22 Other mss read were staying
Matthew 17:24 Jewish men paid this tax to support the temple; [Ex 30:11-16]. A double-drachma could purchase 2 sheep.
Matthew 17:25 Lit Jesus anticipated him by saying
Matthew 17:25 Or foreigners
Matthew 17:26 Other mss read Peter said to Him
Matthew 17:27 Gk stater, worth 2 double-drachmas
Cross references:
Matthew 17:22 : Mt 16:21; 20:17; Mk 8:31; 9:30-32; Lk 9:44-45;
Matthew 17:24 : Ex 30:13; 38:26; Mk 9:33;
Matthew 17:25 : Mt 22:17;, 19; Mk 12:14; Rm 13:7;
Matthew 17:27 : Mt 5:29; Jn 6:61;
Reflection:
Who likes to pay taxes, especially when you think they are unreasonable or unjust? Jesus and his disciples were confronted by tax collectors on the issue of tax evasion. When questioned about paying the temple tax, Jesus replied to his disciples: We must pay so as not to cause bad example. In fact, we must go beyond our duty in order that we may show others what they ought to do. The scriptural expression to give no offense doesn't refer to insult or annoyance; rather it means to put no stumbling block in the way of another that would cause them to trip or fall. Jesus would not allow himself anything which might possibly be a bad example to some one else. Do you evade unpleasant responsibilities or obligations?
On three different occasions the Gospels record that Jesus predicted he would endure great suffering through betrayal, rejection, and the punishment of a cruel death. The Jews resorted to stoning and the Romans to crucifixion– the most painful and humiliating death they could devise for criminals they wanted to eliminate. No wonder the apostles were greatly distressed at such a prediction! If Jesus their Master were put to death, then they would likely receive the same treatment by their enemies. Jesus called himself the "Son of Man" because this was a common Jewish title for the Messiah. Why must the Messiah be rejected and killed? Did not God promise that his Anointed One would deliver his people from their oppression and establish a kingdom of peace and justice? The prophet Isaiah had foretold that it was God's will that the "Suffering Servant" make atonement for sins through his suffering and death. Jesus paid the price for our redemption with his blood. Slavery to sin is to want the wrong things and to be in bondage to destructive desires. The ransom Jesus paid sets us free from the worst tyranny possible-- the tyranny of sin and the fear of death. Jesus' victory did not end with death but triumphed over the tomb. Jesus defeated the powers of death through his resurrection. Do you want the greatest freedom possible, the freedom to live as God truly meant us to live as his sons and daughters?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, your death brought life and freedom. May I always walk in that freedom and be guided by your love and truth that I may be generous towards all and give each their due."
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