24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Taxation is a permanent fixture in all civilization, as the entire community funds those services which benefit all. The two-drachma tax, roughly equivalent to two denarii, a typical two-days’ wage for a common worker, was exacted from all men twenty-years and older, for the support of the Jewish temple maintenance. Peter was questioned by the temple tax-collector, but the Lord, being omniscient, preempted him in bringing up the subject. Jesus wanted Peter to understand why He was going to pay it and how.
The question at issue could have been framed this way: “Is Jesus loyal to and supportive of the Jewish religious system.” Certainly He had done much to raise the ire of the religious establishment and incited the hopes of the populace. The question naturally arose about whether the temple, the great icon of the Jewish religion, was to be maintained. In another place, He said it would be torn down and replaced (Matt 26:61)? His attitude toward it must have been suspect.
As for the “why,” Jesus speaks by way of analogy. Earthly kings do not tax their own children, those of royal blood (here He uses the phrase “customs or poll-tax” which was exacted by Roman overlords, and thus was a civil tax). So also, by inference, Jesus, whom the disciples had come to believe was the “Son of the Living God,” was exempt from taxation for the maintenance of His Father’s house, the temple. The logic is straightforward—to those who believe. But, so as to not cause offense, Jesus would cede His privilege. And He provided the money in a miraculous way, but in a discreet way appropriate to the city where they rejected His miracles before (see Matthew 11:23).
It should be obvious to even the casual observer that Jesus lived an austere life (2 Cor 8:9), not having two days’ wages to give, modest as that amount was. He never took money for His “services rendered,” namely teaching, healing and feeding the multitude. Rather He lived off the charitable gifts of a few (Luke 8:3). He drew no wages, but dedicated His life and His death for others.
Lord, let me have this attitude “which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5), that I might be humble, ceding my rights, so as not to offend others.
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