Monday 8 Aug 2022

August 8: Matthew 17:24-27

Key Verse: Matthew 17:27
‘But so that we may not cause offence, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.’

Devotion:
When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collector of the temple tax confronted them demanding the tax for entering the temple. This was something of a historic act which had been done for many years and was used for the upkeep of the temple and all who served in it. Jesus’ answer to whether they should pay the tax was to compare them as being children of God and showing how children are not normally asked for anything from the parents.

But, because this had been the normal, for everyone to pay the tax, Jesus sent Peter to throw a fishing line into the lake and catch a fish – from the mouth of that fish would be enough to pay the temple tax for him and Jesus! He did this, not to admit He had to pay the tax, but to appease the collector of the taxes; to appease the humans who were demanding the tax!

This tax is not the same as tithes we give to support the churches in our communities because tithes are voluntary and are given by us knowing we are helping to keep the church together and have a safe place to worship God. The people from the temples were demanding the taxes because it was what they had always done. It was a set amount and everyone was expected to pay!

Christ wants us to do our best to promote and keep the church going. This means giving willingly toward the upkeep of the church building and helping the teachers, priests and workers to keep going as they willingly give of their time and possessions. God likes it when we give willingly and cheerfully...

Points to Ponder:
Would you object to having to pay to enter your church building?

How much are you willing to give to God?