Gospel
Matthew 17:22-27
22 As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief. 24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” 26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”
Historical Background
This passage occurs during Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. He has just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration and is preparing His disciples for His impending death. The setting is Capernaum, a town where Jesus often stayed and taught.
Judea was under Roman rule, and taxes were a sensitive issue. The “temple tax” mentioned was a Jewish obligation, not a Roman one, used to maintain the temple in Jerusalem. It was a cultural practice that every Jewish male over 20 was expected to pay this tax annually (Exodus 30:13–16). It was both a civic and religious duty.
Theological Context
Jesus predicts His betrayal and resurrection, emphasizing His divine mission and the cost of redemption. The disciples’ grief shows their growing understanding of the gravity of His words, though they still struggle to grasp the resurrection.
Jesus uses the temple tax to teach about His identity. As the Son of God, He is exempt from paying the tax for His Father’s house. Yet, He chooses to pay it to avoid offense—demonstrating humility and wisdom.
Learning Lessons
Though exempt, Jesus pays the tax to avoid unnecessary conflict. Sometimes it’s better to yield for the sake of peace, even when you're right. The coin in the fish’s mouth reminds us that divine provision can come in unexpected ways.
“Coin of Grace”
In Galilee’s hush, the shadows grew long,
The Son spoke of sorrow, the end of His song.
Grief gripped the hearts of the ones He had led,
As He spoke of betrayal, the tomb, and the dead.
Yet in Capernaum’s quiet, a question arose,
A tax for the temple, a debt to impose.
“Do kings tax their children?” the Master replied,
“But lest we offend, let peace be our guide.”
A fish in the deep, a coin in its throat,
Provision divine in a humble boat.
The Son who would suffer, the Lamb who would pay,
Still walked in submission, love lighting His way.
Lord Jesus,
Son of the Living God, You walked the path of sorrow with grace, knowing the cross awaited You. You taught us that humility is not weakness, but strength wrapped in love. Help us to follow Your example—choosing peace over pride, obedience over offense. Teach us to trust Your provision, even when it comes from unexpected places.
May we honor You not only with our words, but with our choices. You paid the ultimate price—may our lives reflect Your mercy and mission. In Your holy name,
Amen.
Pericope:
V: Jesus, the Kingdom and the Church
THE SECOND PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / PAYMENT OF THE TEMPLE TAX
Matthew 17:22-23 / 24-17
Gospel Acclamation
God has called you through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
