Matthew 17:22-27
When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they became greatly distressed.
After they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Your teacher pays the double drachma tax, doesn’t he?” He said, “Yes.” When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tolls or taxes—from their sons or from foreigners?” After he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four drachma coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
This is the 4th day in a row where we have read about Jesus predicting His death/resurrection. Why do you think Jesus told His disciples about it on multiple occasions?
The first time He told His disciples, the response from Peter was so dramatic that it showed how unprepared for this scenario. Jesus continued to repeat this message so that His disciples would be prepared for the time to come.
Every Jew was supposed to pay two drachma (a little coin) for the purpose of maintaining the temple. Jesus would soon be in Jerusalem turning over the money changers tables and making a statement about the money-hungry temple elite (Matthew 21:12). So for now, instead of making a big statement, Jesus subtly mentions that as the ‘Son’ He shouldn’t have to pay anything to the King. Remember what Jesus said about being ‘wise as serpents’ and ‘harmless as doves’ (Matt 10:16). He certainly lived it! In what other ways was Jesus wise and harmless?
Jesus was wise in His interactions with the Pharisees. He interacted with them in order to challenge them, but He did not get caught up in silly disputes with them. His answers were profound and logical. He also showed His harmlessness towards friends and enemies. At the end of chapter 23, just after He has criticised many of the practices of the Pharisees, He mourns over Jerusalem and wishes that they were willing to come to Him.
Prayers
Pray that we will be wise as serpents and harmless as doves