Yeshua set a perfect example in so many ways they can’t be counted. Scripture is rich with application in our lives today in nuanced areas many overlook.
In Matthew 17, we see Yeshua confronted with what could be described as an awkward situation. He is confronted by others to pay a tax (to the temple, not Caesar) from which He is actually exempt. Jesus is very aware of creating a stumbling block for others and puts less emphasis on claiming His right to not pay.
The Tribute Money
24When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” 25He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him 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?” 26When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27“However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in 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 you and Me.”
Before we get to Yeshua’s example in this scripture, a few things about the weakness of man show up we can reflect on as well.
It appears the collectors of the temple tax wasted no time in coming to find new visitors and ask them to pay the tax. There is no record here of a welcome or greeting of any kind but rather the focus is clearly on collecting their money. This behavior is not the model to follow.
Peter is caught off guard and appears to lie when confronted with the situation, as he was not sure how to respond. It is worth noting, that if the Bible were a false record made up just to convince people Yeshua was God then the disciples and followers would not honestly document so many times when they responded in the wrong way and made mistakes. These parts of scripture actually proclaim loudly the truth of the Biblical text.
When Peter approaches Yeshua, likely trying to figure out how to broach the subject, Yeshua already knows what happened and brings up the subject Himself. Just one more example indicating He is God and not just man.
At this point it is worth noting that the temple tax was deemed a measure of atonement for sin. As Yeshua was free from sin, He could have rightly refused to pay it. Additionally, Yeshua makes the point that God does not tax Himself anymore than a King taxes himself or His sons, and thus Yeshua would again be exempt.
However, Yeshua was aware that refusing to pay the temple tax may stumble some and discourage them from following Him. The greater purpose directed Him to pay the tax even though He was exempt.
We also see clearly that Yeshua could have easily paid the tax without having this discussion with Peter. We see at the end how easily He provided money when needed… and in such a memorable way. It was not about the money. Jesus wanted to use this as a teachable moment for Peter and His other disciples and eventually all who read the Bible for generations to follow.
Each of us should prayerfully reflect… when we decide whether or not to do something, do we only consider what is best for us or do we also consider how it may affect others? (e.g. Yeshua paid the tax not because He was required to but because He did not want to stumble others.)
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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