As the saying goes, two things are certain—death and taxes. This was as true in first-century Palestine as it is today. During the time of Jesus, people in Palestine were subject to a variety of taxes, like direct taxes levied by the Roman state included land taxes and taxes on eligible individuals, paid in cash. Rome assessed direct taxes through periodic censuses, (see Luke 2:1-7).
Indirect taxes like sales taxes, tolls, and duties on transported goods. The gospels name two toll collectors: Jesus’s disciple Levi (Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32; called Matthew in Matt 9:9-13) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).
The Jews also pay the temple tax (Exodus 30:11-16; Nehemiah 10:32-33). This tax, of one half-shekel paid annually in silver coinage. All Jewish males 20 years old or older had to pay a half-shekel (roughly equivalent to two days’ wages), as tax for the upkeep of the Temple and its sacrifices (Exodus 30:13-14).
We read in today’s gospel that when they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast 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 me and for yourself.”
We heard how Peter assures the tax officials that the Master, Jesus, is a devout Jew and, hence, pays the tax. However, Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing, open the mouth of the first fish he caught and, with the coin he would find there, pay both Peter’s and his own tax.
Giving good example is the crux of Jesus action. Jesus wanted them to give good example to others, even though, as the Son of God, Jesus was exempted from paying tax to anyone.
What can I do this week to show good example to others?
May we think of what we need to do this week, in other not to give “offense” to others.
Have a blessed Week
