When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
This exchange between Jesus and the tax collectors was more than a commentary on adhering to local rules and laws. In this moment, Jesus’ identity came into question.
The tax that Jesus paid from the mouth of a fish was the temple tax. It was required to be paid once a year to support the running of the temple. As Jesus points out, the sons of king’s do not have to pay taxes, for taxes come from those outside of the royal family. To pay this temple tax would imply that Jesus was not the Son of God (the authority over all, including the Temple and the people of God). Furthermore, priests were exempt from this tax, so to pay it would imply that He was not the Great High Priest of God (Hebrews 4:14). To refuse to pay, however, would create a conflict that would require a trial and could hurt his testimony to many including the tax collectors.* What could Jesus do?
Many times, our culture asks us to do one thing when our identity in Christ tells us to do another. The two can seem to serve as a fork in the road requiring a choice. To choose one is to reject the other.
Jesus presents a solution in this story that honors the request of the authority in the area while not abandoning His identity. According to local law at the time, a coin found belongs to no one. Therefore, the found coin paid the tax without actually coming from Jesus or from the money given to move His ministry forward. Thus, the tax was satisfied and the identity of Jesus as Son of God and Great High Priest remained respected.*
In this creative moment, Jesus saw a third option.
Too often circumstances and even the enemy try to convince us that there are only two options.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to hear His voice on the third option. Perhaps God wants you to look for ways to honor local laws and authorities while maintaining your identity in Him. Maybe God wants you to remember who He is as provider, Son of God, and Great High Priest.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 451–455, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 17:24–27) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).