While staying in Galilee, Jesus revealed to His disciples what was about to happen to Him…soon He would be betrayed, killed, and the third day He would be raised up. Because the disciples did not fully understand God’s plan, their reaction was one of disappointment. The end of verse 23 says they were exceedingly sorrowful. Before criticizing the disciples, we must keep in mind that they did not comprehend the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. They believed Jesus would set up His kingdom on earth during their lifetime; however, God the Father’s plan required that His sinless Son die on the cross to satisfy the punishment for mankind’s sin and be raised again to guarantee our eternal life. We can now look back and see God’s plan perfectly unfold and this should bring joy to our heart’s as we see God’s forgiveness of sin through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. After Jesus revealed His future fate to them, they departed to Capernaum. When they arrived, those people who received the temple tax inquired of Peter as to whether or not his Teacher paid the temple tax. A temple tax was a yearly sum of two day’s wages which enabled the temple to be maintained. Peter responded that his Teacher did pay and Jesus, anticipating Peter’s thoughts about this matter, asked Peter what he thought. Jesus’ question was very direct to Peter “From whom do the kings of earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or strangers?” Peter rightly responded “strangers.” However, Jesus was going deeper with the question. Jesus said that sons of the king were exempt from paying taxes because of their relationship with the king; furthermore, Jesus was declaring that as God’s Son (the King), He was exempt from the tax and they were also. However, instead of refusing to pay the tax, Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish and in the mouth of that fish he would find money. Peter was to use that money to pay the temple tax for himself and Jesus. Peter was being instructed by Jesus on obedience to authority. Even though the religious leaders were just looking for another accusation against Jesus (not paying the temple tax), Jesus still chose to obey earthly authority. If the Son of God obeyed earthly authority, how much more should we heed the leadership within out government? God requires us to respect and submit to authority even though we may not always agree with them. Do you have respect and reverence for earthly authority or are you always criticizing and disrespecting them? Think about it.
Dear God, as Your own Son obeyed authority, help me to also have a reverence and respect for the earthly rulers You have placed over me. Instead of judging them, help me to pray for them.
