Death & Taxes

In the seemingly odd passage of Matthew 17:24-27, Peter is questioned by the religious leadership about whether Jesus pays the temple tax. Knowing this had happened, Jesus talks with Peter about it, and in this conversation, we see four characteristics of the Son of God:

The freedom of the Son – He was under no obligation to pay the tax.

The voluntary submission of the Son – Nevertheless, to not cause offense, He consented to pay.

The majesty of the Son – His command to Peter (a professional fisherman) to drop a line into the lake was peculiar, but he obeyed.

The miraculous personal provision of the Son – The coin found in the fish that was caught was sufficient for both Peter and Jesus.

This was not just a story about a fish and a coin. It was personal and powerful—especially for Peter. In his letter, Peter would later write to the church, “For you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

The life of Jesus was paid on your behalf so that you could enjoy fellowship with God forever! That can start today! Simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead. The Bible says that if you do this, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Repent (turn away from) your sin and ask God for forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him to life. Trust Him as your Savior and follow Him as the Lord of your life.