Is this Jesus’ weirdest miracle? There’s the spitting in the mud thing, but this is pretty odd, too.
Jesus came home to Capernaum after a long trip only to face a tax bill. Not only that, but the tax agents themselves came into his house. But he looked past them and had a quick little conversation with Peter about the reality of taxes - with the IRS right there listening in. Yet he obeyed and paid his share of taxes, and also Peter’s.
It is clear that the systems of this world do not resonate with Jesus. Taxes are one thing and having to pay them is enough of an annoying struggle for so many. But soon enough, powers and systems beyond taxes will flex even more muscle in Jesus’ direction. Keep your eyes on his posture toward such things (including government).
Matthew 17:22-27
When the disciples came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Human One is about to be delivered over into human hands. They will kill him. But he will be raised on the third day.” And they were heartbroken.
When they came to Capernaum, the people who collected the half-shekel temple tax came to Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes,” he said.
But when they came into the house, Jesus spoke to Peter first.“What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect taxes, from their children or from strangers?”
“From strangers,” he said.
Jesus said to him, “Then the children don’t have to pay. But just so we don’t offend them, go to the lake, throw out a fishing line and hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”
Prayer
God -
That’s a pretty cool trick Jesus did with the coin in the fish’s mouth. But it’s not paying my taxes (or bills). I’m kidding, Lord, but also kinda not. Indeed, I ask for your help in having the perspective of Jesus who acknowledged the reality of the world, but did not let it get to him.
I let the world get to me so much, Lord. Taxes are one thing and annoying enough. But speed limits and waiting rooms and lack of health care and just people in general. People! If not for people…if everyone would just listen to me, Lord. All would go well.
I know that’s not true, but I often act like it. Because the ways of the world can be so frustrating.
My prayer again: Give me the perspective of Jesus to live within this world as your beloved.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
I so look forward to your posts each morning. Thank you.
I’d always kinda read past the part where Jesus had a conversation about tax collectors while they were in the room. The conversation takes on a different tone when I read it with this in mind.
Tax collectors: “Uh, dude? We’re standing right here.”
Jesus: “…”
Peter: “Oh… you want me to go fishing…now?”
Jesus: “Yes.”
Tax collectors: “While we wait?”
Jesus: ”…”