Pay what you owe

"When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, 'Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?"  Matthew 17:24  NKJV 

Taxes, just like everywhere else, have to be paid. As much as we may complain about how much the tax people are stealing money from us, it is imperative that we pay this fee. To fail may land us with a prison sentence. It was no different in Jesus' day. Here, the temple tax is due and an official asks if Jesus pays the taxes which are meant for the upkeep of the temple. 

Peter informs the official that Jesus always pays what is due and later, when Peter meets up with Jesus, it is discussed more fully. Jesus asks, 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?' Peter answered from strangers. It was obvious, they wouldn't want to be taking it from their own sons. Jesus could well have entered into a long discussion here about, if the sons are free of tax, then, He as the Messiah, most definitely should have been exempt, after-all, it is His temple. Instead He said to Peter, 'Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you' v27.

Jesus expects us to pay our taxes, if the law says it, we must do it as much as it hurts. Many people don't pay and either leave it to the last minute or just ignore it. When you think about this, surely to default on our tax bill or indeed, any bills, is dishonouring to God. With just a little wisdom and care, one can easily open a bank account solely for this purpose until the tax is due. We can complain forever about paying tax, but it will get us nowhere, just a waste of hot air. Take a look here and we see a good example of Jesus paying His bill. He could have complained about the tax, after-all, He was the Messiah, but they would have just laughed Him out of the place and He would have embarrassed His position as the Son of God. Therefore, He paid the sum and look at how He did it - out of a fish's mouth. If He can supply money for His disciples this way, He can do it for you as well. But we need to be honourable and legitimate with our bill paying.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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