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coram_deo 22-Jul-21, 11:27 |
![]() This is from the Gospel of Matthew: “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” (Matthew 17:24-27) I wonder if Jesus’ answer would have been different if Peter had not already told the publicans that Jesus paid taxes. Notice Jesus’ generosity - He pays for Peter and Himself. Jesus indicates, imo, that He’s only paying taxes so as not to offend the tax collectors. How Jesus essentially creates money out of nothing supports the view, imo, that Jesus’ answer in response to the question posed by the Pharisees (“Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”) was designed to show the pointlessness of their question. Everything belongs to God and God can do whatever He pleases - with or without money. |