Matthew 17:22-27

Be Still: Thank you, Lord, that you’re good, you’re faithful and your Word is true. Speak to me today. Amen

Read: Matthew 17:22-27

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, 'Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?' (v24)

Encounter: Two words that can lead to an internal malfunction - Suggested Donation.

It’s always a tricky one. Just how much is required? Is anything required? When they’ve put a suggested figure, is that what they hope for? Or is that what they need? If it were compulsory, it would be so much easier…. Or are these just my issues that I’ve now shared publicly and shown a lack of generosity? 

We see a suggested donation moment play out today.

The tax collectors rattle the bucket in front of Peter, ‘Will your teacher pay?’ they say. They were asking for the temple tax, a contribution that was there for the upkeep and running costs of the temple. As a Jewish male over 20, Jesus was required to pay the temple tax, or was he? The temple was the place of worship – it’s ultimately God’s house. Would you pay rent to yourself to live in your own house? Of course not. Then surely Jesus shouldn’t have to pay. 

But the tax collectors didn’t know who Jesus really was. Jesus was fully entitled to say, 'Absolutely not!' Yet in humility and grace, he unnecessarily pays the tax in honour and respect. (That is, having miraculously produced the amount from the mouth of a fish caught by Peter!) Jesus didn’t elevate himself or present his entitlement in the way others (including us?) often do; instead, he paid the tax.

Apply: Let's be brave and ask the Holy Spirit to search us, search our hearts for any pride or entitlement and bring it into the light. Let us be people of peace, grace, and humility. 

Devote: Thank you, God, that you are the King like no other. You are the King who gives your power away. Help us to be as generous as you, and love others as you loved.