AUG 8

Matthew 17:24-27
Memorise Matthew 17:27a
“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them…”

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, His Galilean headquarters, Peter was approached and asked if his Master paid tribute money. This was an annual temple tax of a didrachma (double-drachma – a Grecian coin) which was required by law from the time of Moses (Exodus 30:11-16). But why was Jesus in question? Was it not compulsory? Well, according to extra Jewish laws, “a man must be twelve months in a place, before he is liable to tribute and taxes”. And “a doctor, or a teacher for the Jewish doctors, wise men, and scholars, were freed from all tributes and taxes” (quoted from John Gill). So it is possible that Jesus may have been exempted. However, without hesitating, Peter answered the question with a yes as he assumed that Jesus always paid all His taxes and tributes.

Then when Peter entered into the house, Jesus anticipated that Peter was going to speak to Him. However, before Peter could say anything, Jesus asked him an interesting question relating to that of an earthly king. Peter did provide the correct answer, but the reason Jesus asked was because this was His way of teaching Peter. Jesus was implying that He is the Lord of the temple and thus there was no need for Him to pay any tribute. Nevertheless, in order to not stumble those who are weak in faith and knowledge, Jesus instructed Peter to pay the didrachma which is equivalent to two days’ worth of wages. The exact amount of tribute money for both of them was then miraculously found in the mouth of a fish which Jesus directed Peter to. This miracle then authenticated the implicit claim of Jesus as Lord.

So through this account, it is seen that Jesus not only displayed that He is God through His omniscience, but that He is the Lord of His temple. Jesus made a point that He did not need to pay the tribute. However He did pay the tribute in the end, for this was in fulfilment of His active obedience as Man’s Representative, being beyond reproach and sinless in all areas. Jesus kept the law perfectly because of His love for His fellow men, ensuring also that He would not stumble them in this matter. We likewise must follow in the steps of Jesus, having sensitivity to those around us and ensuring that we try our very best to not stumble others. The Apostle Paul also wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Let us do our best to not stumble others.

Thought: Am I aware of the people around me and whether I may stumble them?
Prayer: O Lord, help me be sensitive and make the effort to not stumble others.