On their arrival in Capernaum,
the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay
the Temple tax?” “Yes, he does,”
Peter replied. Then he went into the
house. But before he had a chance
to speak, Jesus asked him, “What
do you think, Peter? Do
kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” “They
tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well,
then,” Jesus said, “the
citizens are free! However,
we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch,
and you will find a large silver coin. Take
it and pay the tax for both of us.” Matthew 17:24-27(NLT)
Paying taxes is always a
lovely thought that helps me lose my appetite.
On the other hand, if I want to get really upset I can think about NOT
paying my taxes and the IRS audit that is certain to follow.
Following Jesus may have
provided many such disturbing thoughts for Peter, and this one was no
different. Peter understood Jesus to be
God-sent, and the one true Messiah who would overcome Roman oppression. But, at the same time, that oppression
(including taxes and crosses) was very extant and always in sight. But oppression came from many fronts,
including the Temple tax system.
Peter’s conundrum: if you pay the Temple tax you’re giving into the
oppressive system; if you don’t you’re running the risk of jail. One way you’re a wimp; the other you’re a
rebel outlaw.
Jesus killed two birds with
one fish…and there were side benefits!
Side benefit #1
When Peter got the fish, he
not only paid the taxes, he got a meal!
Side Benefit #2
When Peter got the fish, finding
the coin Jesus told him to seek, his faith got a boost (obedience to Jesus’
commands will do that!).
Side Benefit #3
When Jesus told Peter to go
get the fish, it was with a lesson that the fish isn’t the main issue; freedom
is the main issue.
Peter learned that freedom
is an attitude that allows you to obey God and keep a right perspective on
everything.
Elsewhere in the Gospels[2]
Jesus taught nearly the same lesson, instructing his disciples that they ought
to give the government what is rightly owed, but also to give to God what is
due to God. Sometimes it seems like that’s
a cop-out, compartmentalizing faith and so-called “real life”. But, in reality, every breath, every step,
every word you utter is owed to God; so is paying your taxes. As you fulfil these worldly obligations you
are also moving in the God-realm. In
that larger sense, there is no such thing as secular and sacred; all of life is
sacred.
Jesus killed more than a few
birds with one fish here. He taught us
that freedom is our heritage; citizens of heaven are free to love and serve
because even if God has to produce a tax payment from a flounder’s mouth, He
will see to it.
For You Today
Have you got any tax
payments due…unanswered questions nagging…issues of faith? God may send you fishing for the
answers!
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