Why Did Jesus Pay the Temple Tax?

Credit: Love In Bible 

 

Why Did Jesus Pay the Temple Tax?

The Bible records an interesting event in the life of Jesus Christ, where He pays the temple tax. This event is recorded in Matthew 17:24-27 and is often overlooked by many Christians. However, this event provides valuable insights into the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

This writeup will attempt to explore the reasons why Jesus paid the temple tax, and what this event teaches us about our relationship with God.

The Temple Tax

The temple tax was a tax imposed on all Jewish males above the age of 20 to support the temple in Jerusalem. The tax was used to fund the daily sacrifices, maintenance of the temple, and the salaries of the priests.

The tax was based on the instruction given by God to Moses in Exodus 30:13-16, where every Israelite above the age of 20 was required to pay a half-shekel tax to support the tabernacle.

Jesus and the Temple Tax

When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, they were approached by the collectors of the temple tax. The collectors asked Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, if Jesus paid the temple tax. Peter replied that Jesus did pay the tax.

However, when Peter entered the house, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" (Matthew 17:25). 

Peter replied that kings collect taxes from others, not from their own sons. Jesus then said, "Then the sons are exempt. But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours" (Matthew 17:26-27).

Why Did Jesus Pay the Temple Tax?

So, why did Jesus pay the temple tax? Here are a few reasons:

1. To Avoid Offending Others: Jesus paid the temple tax to avoid offending the collectors and the Jewish leaders. As the Son of God, Jesus was exempt from paying the tax, but He chose to pay it to maintain peace and avoid conflict.

2. To Fulfill the Law: Jesus paid the temple tax to fulfill the law. Although He was the Son of God, Jesus was also a Jewish male, and as such, He was required to pay the temple tax.

3. To Set an Example: Jesus paid the temple tax to set an example for His disciples. By paying the tax, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to obeying the law and respecting the authorities.

4. To Show His Humility: Jesus paid the temple tax to show His humility. As the Son of God, Jesus could have easily avoided paying the tax, but He chose to humble Himself and pay it anyway.

What Can We Learn from Jesus' Example?

The event of Jesus paying the temple tax teaches us several valuable lessons:

1. Importance of Obedience: Jesus' example teaches us the importance of obedience to the law and respecting the authorities.

2. Humility and Selflessness: Jesus' humility and selflessness are evident in His willingness to pay the temple tax, even though He was exempt.

3. Avoiding Conflict: Jesus' example teaches us the importance of avoiding conflict and maintaining peace, even if it means making sacrifices.

4. Setting an Example: Jesus' example teaches us the importance of setting a good example for others, especially for those who look up to us as leaders or role models.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jesus paid the temple tax to avoid offending others, fulfill the law, set an example, and show His humility. 

This event teaches us valuable lessons about obedience, humility, avoiding conflict, and setting an example. 

As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus' example and live a life of obedience, humility, and selflessness.