From the desk of Pastor Ben

Peter Instructed on Taxes

“Jesus spoke to Peter first, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?’ When Peter said, ‘From strangers,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them…’”     (Matthew 17:25b-27a)

Jesus’ tax question was rhetorical, and the answer was obvious. It would be nonsense for a father to collect revenue from his sons who were dependent on him. Such an action would amount to self-taxation. Here the term “strangers” is a general word identifying people outside the king’s family, namely his subjects.

Peter’s answer — “From strangers” — prompted Jesus to give the corollary truth on taxation, “Then the sons are exempt.” In those days, rulers’ families, represented by the sons, were excused from paying taxes. Had the Lord ended the instruction with this, believers could easily argue that, as children of God, they too should be exempt from earthly taxation. But there is more to Jesus’ teaching.

As Lord of all the earth, including the temple that was built to honor His Father (Luke 2:49) and whose sacrifices and offerings were directed to Him, Christ could have exempted Himself from any temple tax obligation. After all, He had declared Himself as greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6). But when He set aside His divine glory (Philippians 2:7), He also relinquished the obligation to it. So, to avoid offense to the authorities, Jesus told Peter to pay the tax. If God’s Son claimed no tax exemption, but said it should be paid willingly, how much less can His followers claim an exemption?

Ask Yourself:
Have you sometimes done things, not because you were forced to, but simply because complying served the purpose of setting a good example, going above and beyond? Where have you been the most tempted lately to do only the bare minimum, just enough to get by?