Day 31 | Tax in the Fish

Read Matthew 17:24-27

At the beginning of this chapter, we see Jesus invited Peter to see Who He is at the transfiguration. A few verses down, Peter was asked if Jesus pays the temple tax, and, of course, He said yes. Jesus explained that while Peter and Himself are exempt from paying the tax because they are children of the King (i.e. God), they will forfeit their rights and follow the rules, believing that God Himself will provide for all our needs.

In the passage, Jesus explains three things to Peter. First, Jesus points out that they are exempt from paying the Temple Tax because both of them are children of the King (i.e. God). Second, and arguably the most important, Jesus did not want to offend the people by arguing or contesting His rights. Finally, Jesus is asking Peter to trust that God will provide, even in ways we never thought of, like coins in the mouth of a fish.

Today, we live in extraordinary and unique times, where we prioritize ourselves and our own “rights.” However, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we must first recognize that our identity is not rooted in the world, but rather in Jesus, who even being God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage. Instead, He humbled Himself even to death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-11). Not everything permissible is good and beneficial to the greater good (1 Corinthians 6:12). Therefore, if we, as Christians, desire to be disciples of Jesus, we must be imitators of Jesus. Rather than flaunting our royal birth and rights before the world, we should replicate Jesus’ humility and surrender ourselves for the greater good of the people.

Pray for 10 minutes