The issue of paying the temple tax was a problem. Collectors wanted Jesus to pay but they didn’t dare approach Him—they knew He couldn’t be snared by legalism. Instead, they asked Peter who replied off the top of his head, “Yes, he does.” (Mt. 17:25 NIV)
Poor Peter. He answered without looking into the matter and committed a diplomatic faux pas. For as the Son of God and as Lord of the Temple, Jesus did not pay the tax.
Jesus came to the rescue for His friend by providing the money in a unique manner: Saying He didn’t want to offend them, Jesus directed Peter, the former fisherman, to fish with a line, unusual for a man accustomed to nets, and to look into the mouth of the first fish he caught. There he would find a coin. “Take it and give it to them,” Jesus said, “for my tax and yours.” (Mt. 17 27b NIV) It was a private miracle between two friends.
Originally published October 2, 1981.
Picture: Quilt by Patty. Photo by Solveig.
Jesus came to the rescue for His friend by providing the money in a unique manner: Saying He didn’t want to offend them, Jesus directed Peter, the former fisherman, to fish with a line, unusual for a man accustomed to nets, and to look into the mouth of the first fish he caught. There he would find a coin. “Take it and give it to them,” Jesus said, “for my tax and yours.” (Mt. 17 27b NIV) It was a private miracle between two friends.
Originally published October 2, 1981.
Picture: Quilt by Patty. Photo by Solveig.
No comments:
Post a Comment