Today’s passage: Matthew 17:22-27
Helpful thoughts:
- Jesus again foretells what is to come in His death, burial and resurrection. He was not hiding what was to come. He spoke of His resurrection openly.
- The tax being taken in this passage is the Temple Tax. This was not for Rome.
- Notice the collectors went to Peter specifically to ask/challenge the integrity of Jesus. Peter didn’t even hesitate. He knew that Jesus kept the laws.
- Even though Jesus certainly would have been the most legitimate person to be exempt from this tax, He paid it willingly.
Questions to consider:
- Did Jesus have to ask Peter about the conversation he had with the collectors? Which attribute of God is on display in this passage?
- Given the context, what was wrong with the way the collectors asked Peter about Jesus’ payment?
- How does Jesus’ desire to “not to give offense” help us to think about our duties and involvement today?