The Temple Tax

Matthew 17

24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the 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 kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 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.”

In Matthew 17, Jesus refers to himself in a way that highlights his unique kingship. He is acknowledged as the Son of God and is considered a king, but he is not a son of an earthly king. Instead, his authority is spiritual rather than political.

Jesus engages in a conversation about paying the temple tax, which leads to a deeper understanding of his kingship. Jesus asks Peter whether earthly kings collect taxes from their own sons or from others. Peter answers that they collect from others, implying that as the Son of God, Jesus is free from such obligations. But to avoid offending the temple authorities, Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, which will have a coin to pay the tax. This act demonstrates his divine authority and the nature of his kingship.

Jesus' identity as a king is rooted in his divine sonship and authority from God, distinguishing him from earthly kings. His kingship is characterized by service and spiritual leadership rather than political power.