Thursday: Jesus and the Temple Tax
Read Matthew 17:24-27. What is going on here, and what does this also tell us about Jesus?
Though all Jews were required to pay the temple tax, priests, Levites, and rabbis were exempt. So, this question about whether Jesus paid the temple tax was also a challenge to His ministry.
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Ellen G. White writes that Peter missed an opportunity to testify on this occasion to the absolute authority of Christ. “By his answer to the collector, that Jesus would pay the tribute, he had virtually sanctioned the false conception of Him to which the priests and rulers were trying to give currency … If priests and Levites were exempt because of their connection with the temple, how much more He to whom the temple was His Father’s house.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 433, 434.
We can learn much from Jesus’ gracious response to Peter. Rather than humiliate him, Jesus gently explains his error. Moreover, Jesus adapts to the course Peter had taken in a most creative way. Rather than simply paying the tax—thereby acknowledging His obligation to it—Jesus gets the tax elsewhere: from the mouth of a fish.
This miracle is unusual; it’s the only time Jesus performs a miracle seemingly for His own benefit. But that wasn’t the miracle’s purpose. Instead, the miracle was a demonstration to everyone of Jesus’ authority not only over the temple but over all of creation. From a human standpoint, how can we even begin to understand how Jesus could have performed this miracle? Of all the things that Peter had seen, can you imagine what must have gone on in his mind when he throws out his line, catches his first fish, and finds the exact amount owed for the temple tax? (See Isa. 40:13-17.)
| Though there was no necessity for Jesus and His disciples to pay the temple tax, Jesus had them do it anyway, in order to avoid unnecessary controversy. What are ways we can learn to de-escalate situations, especially on things that are not absolute, in order to avoid unnecessary conflict? |
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What do you think Jesus would have done or said if Peter had not said what he did that got them in "hot water" over the tax situation?
What Jesus did shows great condescension of God in paying the tax showing that he was humbling himself to the leaders of His church unnecessarily.
I think he did it to keep from making a fuss--as this was not His nature to fight for His own rights. He was turning the other cheek as He preached.
i belive that Jesus did this to proove that he owned the temple and that any time he needed any help he could get thereof....Sumply to say,God and Jesus are one so the temple is his
Jesus' assertion that He is "meek and lowly of heart", is not, I think, appreciated for what it really is. Often, especially in the Old Testament books, it is difficult to see Jesus in this way, but I am persuaded that when the veils are finally drawn back, we will all marvel at the reality behind Jesus' claim.
He is meek and lowly of heart -- always has been, always will be.
And I do believe that "the WHOLE gospel is comprised in learning of Christ His meekness and lowliness." (20Manuscript Release p.117)
We are to be peace makers as long as God's truth is not compromise.
Esther
What great wisdom is His, then, now and forever. I pray to be like Him.
The Temple tax was part of God’s law (Ex. 20:13-16) for the upkeep and support of the Temple service, Priests and Levites were exempt as they were not counted among the people in the census but were part of the Temple service. Rabbi’s were only exempt if they were a Levite or a Priest, otherwise they too had to pay.
Although Jesus was really truly the Kingly High Priest of all, but in order to avoid the appearance of law breaking He instructed Peter to pay the tax, however in a way that makes it clear to Peter that He really is the King of Creation, not a subject.
Because of space the author can not cite all of Desire of Ages p 433 & 434. I would suggest the reading.
Also...is anyone promoting, at your church, the reading of all of Matthew for this 13 week period?
Is anyone reading a chapter before the SS lesson study time?
75-90% of churchgoers have never read the whole bible.
Many have never read the new testament. How many have never even read all of Matthew, in their life?
There are 1074 verses in Matthew. Can be read in around 90 minutes. That's just 7 minutes each Sabbath for the 13 weeks.
I love Jesus, always humble and gives glory to God's name. He had power to throw those tax collectors out of the temple and walk in majestically without paying a penny, but look at what He does? He does a miracles which leads to complying to the law. I love You Jesus. Creat in me this heart.
we really need to humble ourselves in our day to day living. In our working places and communities we need to subject ourselves to governing authorities whilst maintaining our loyalty to God. For there is no authority except from God. As Christians we should be leading examples in following the footsteps of our Rock Jesus Christ. Romans 13 vs 1-6
I have landed on The Rock! And indeed broken I am! No more pride, selfishness, deceit, hatred, arrogance, to mention but only five. Dear God, give me the mind which was also in Christ. Philippians 2:5 AMEN.
I to want the mind of Christ and the ability to do the will of the Father through the Holy Spirit. Please hunger for His word and humble your self's in prayer daily. do not hate but Love every one for this is the will of our GOD, may the LOVE of Christ be in you all.
This is a great lesson for Christians today. It is okay (when the opportunity presents itself) to address the issue of taxation via the court system. However, when the courts speak through their rulings...Christians are to humble themselves and follow the rule of law. Remember, we must learn to respect earthly courts and the rule of law for how can we claim to respect the sovereign authority of our Great God and King Jesus Christ while not taking heed to human authority which is not set at odds against the law of God.
This also illustrates that Jesus is in control of all of nature and the precious metals of the earth. Humans may dig up Gold and Silver from the earth and stamp their engravings upon them..."but the earth and the fullness thereof" belongeth to the Lord! Let's also not forget that Jesus had promised Peter that He would make him a "fisher of men". Spiritually speaking, the fish represents men and women of means that would be won to the gospel of Jesus Christ. These would use their financial means to fund the work of spreading the gospel of our Lord and Savior to a lost and dying world. Nicodemus was one such convert. He was wealthy, but after his conversion...he used his considerable resources at a critical time in the history of the early church.
Let us not forget, that the gospel is not just for the poor and those of limited means. It is also for the wealthier classes. These individuals are especially in danger as many are insulated in areas hard to penetrate by bible workers or they may be in peril due to trusting in their net worth instead of their Lord! Still, Jesus reminds us that he loves them (as He also does the poorer classes), and will also work miracles to reach them and on their behalf as well.