Assumption

The tax-collectors have challenged Peter over whether Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter immediately says Jesus has done. But was this him covering up for his boss? Was this an assumption?

“When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered.” (Matthew 17 v 25-26)

Jesus has been listening to what was said at the door. Or did he just know?

Rulers collect from their subjects not their sons. The temple belongs to his Father, so as His Son he is exempt. The clearest statement of him being the Christ yet. There will be no need to go into the Temple to sacrifice because the Son is here to lay down the ultimate sacrifice. The Son pays the price and the disciples no longer have to pay that tax.

But here is the point: the maintenance of God’s work did not ultimately depend on them, but Him.

Today, we are free. Not that we don’t pay our tithes and offerings to the work of God. Not that we don’t pay the taxes of our land. But we are free from thinking that we have to by our own efforts keep the work of God going in our life. We are His. Let Him be who He is in you. The price has been paid. You don’t have to work for your relationship with God anymore.

Oh and the first thought?

Peter assumed Jesus paid the tax or did he know he hadn’t and was covering up for his Lord?

Let’s be careful on what we think we know. We are not that clever. We don’t own God. He is above and beyond, transcendent, beyond our finite minds. We don’t have to cover over, assume or even lie! He is God.