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JESUS AND TAXES
LORD’S DAY MORNING, JUNE 29
Matthew 17:24-27

Exodus 30:11-16

 

“…Doth not your

master pay tribute?”

 

JESUS AND TAXES
 
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, His Galilean headquarters, He was asked to pay the annual temple tax as required by the law of Moses in Exodus 30:11 to 16. Jesus had no need to pay this fee because He Himself is the Lord of the temple. But in order not to stumble those weak in faith and knowledge, Jesus instructed Peter to pay the double-drachma (didrachma) which was about two days’ worth of wages.
 
The money came miraculously from the mouth of a fish. Jesus knew which fish had the coin, and directed it to Peter’s hook. In the fish’s mouth was a four-drachma coin (statera) which was the exact amount for two persons: Jesus and Peter.
 
Jesus, in this instance, not only displayed that He is God Himself and Lord of His temple, He also revealed His active obedience as man’s Representative. This He did by paying the temple tax required by the Mosaic law. He also kept the law by loving His fellowmen. He paid the money because He did not want to stumble others. By His loving action, Jesus fulfilled the law (Rom 13:10).
 
THOUGHT: Jesus fulfilled all righteousness.

PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful in giving my tithe to Thee.

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