Scripture:
Matthew 17:24–27
24 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” 26 When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. 27 However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” (NRSVUE)
Observation:
There was great irony in the tax collectors coming to Jesus to collect the temple tax. This wasn’t a government tax, but a tax collected to help fund the maintenance of the temple. It was apparently an annual contribution that was to be made.
However, Jesus turns it into a teaching moment. Since Jesus is the Son of God, He begins to talk about who is responsible for paying taxes. He asks whether earthly kings take money from their own children or from others. The answer is, “The children are free.”
In essence, Jesus should be free because He is the Son of God.
Knowing that the religious leaders would not understand this, He says that they need to go out of their way not to offend them. Then there is the miracle of the fish with a coin in its mouth, enough to pay the exact tax for both Jesus and Peter.
Application:
“The children are free.” Think about the power of that statement.
One of the joys in life is doing special things for our children and grandchildren. We recently all went to an amusement park for the day. What a great time we had! We bought the tickets for the whole family, paid the parking fee, and bought all the food. Why? Because when the grandparents are around, the children—and the grandchildren—are free! We delight in being able to do nice things for them.
This isn’t just about Jesus, but it’s about all those who would be adopted into the family of God through the work of Jesus. Yes, Jesus, as the Son of God, is free, but now you and I are free, too.
We don’t have to pay a tax to enter the presence of God. We are children. The children are free! And our Heavenly Father delights in doing nice things for His children.
Live into the life you have been given as a child of God.
We are free.
We are children of the King.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for such a beautiful picture of what it means to be Your child. So often, it’s hard to imagine all that has been provided for us through the work of Jesus, so this image is lovely. Help us to live into the freedom of being Your children. Amen.
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