Does God Pay Taxes?
24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” Matthew 17:24-27 (NLT)
Everyone was to pay the Temple tax. For Temple maintenance.
Strange…should God pay for upkeep? It is HIS temple.
Jesus is God’s Son. The Temple is for His worship.
He pays His tax. He seeks to offend no one.
How many do you know pay their tax by fishing?
He declares His sovereignty with a one-time phenomenon.
Money in fish.
What a true Savior, God in flesh. Desiring no insult.
Consider coin in fish. God’s miracle to pay taxes.
Even Jesus. Remember, He is no ordinary citizen. He is Lord.
AND Jesus pays our sin tax. His cross our guarantee.
Did you notice? Peter was asked if Jesus paid His Temple tax. Peter answered yes-but BEFORE Peter could tell Jesus about this experience, Jesus asked him tax questions. What did Peter think? He had no time to bring up the subject. Jesus asked questions like He knew what happened-because He DID KNOW. Need proof Jesus is God? Read verse 25 again.