Matthew 17:24-27
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
We may be free from obligation in paying religious dues, but Jesus taught not to offend in our freedom, but use what God provides to pay. Though this is a temple tax, Jesus also compares taxes of kings (nations) here as well, so this truth does apply to our taxes also - "whose inscription / what is written on the money we have?" It is of the country we live in, so pay to whom it is due and trust God in it.
No comments:
Post a Comment