Matthew 17:24
Many have seen here a test on the part of the ones collecting the tax. It is presumed that they asked because they were trying to catch him in an error of some kind. However, though this is possible, it does not seem probable. Instead, there are several reasons that they may have asked this. For one, this was the Jewish temple tax, not any Roman tax. The notable occasion of Jesus being asked about paying taxes is in connection with the Roman tax. As such, they may have wondered if Jesus would have refused to pay on the basis of his known disagreement with how the temple was being run at the time. Another possibility is that, since Jesus moved around a lot, they may have thought he paid it in another location. Furthermore, they may have wondered simply because Jesus was not popularly seen as being ‘in agreement’ with the Jewish system at the time.
Some might wonder why they asked Peter, but not Christ himself. This is easily explained. For one thing, they may have been scared to address Jesus directly. For another, Peter was the owner of the home. Jesus was staying there with Peter. So, it would only make sense for them to ask Peter.
Finally, this event is not recorded in the other gospels. It seems odd that it would be left out of the others if there was a conflict here. It seems to me that it was only included because, of all the gospels, Matthew’s is the most Jewish. As a result, he would include it as a matter of great interest to the Jews, and a as testimony to them.
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 17:1-19:14
Scripture Memory: 1 John 4:17 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we so often err on the side of selfishness. But Jesus is never selfish. Lord You show us the right way to live, and You enable us to live that way. We cannot be good without Christ in our lives. He makes us what we ought to be. Thank You for Your work in us, making us better, more like Christ. We praise You for Your watch care over us, protecting us, and leading our paths. You are wonderful! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a man who needs a job. Pray for a woman who has cancer and is in very poor condition. Pray for a family’s silent request.
Journal Entry #13347