Today’s Devotion
Topic: Temple Tax (Part 2)
Text: Matthew 17: 25b- 27
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?” 26 “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, 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.” Amen
Day 2: Yesterday we generally discussed how important it is for believers to pay taxes and pledges. If for nothing at all, we must do so for the mere fact that, Jesus our Lord did it without complain. Today we want to see if it’s worth paying taxes when the system is corrupt.
Beloved do you now see how this is important to the Lord? The tax collectors spoke to Peter when Jesus was not around. However, when Peter got home, Jesus was the first to speak, indicating He knew everything that went on between Peter and the tax men. He was watching all along, although not physically present. He is interested in how responsible we are or ought to be in society too. The question still remains unanswered, shall we continue to pay taxes into a corrupt system?
This question is important to most believers because huge sums of money may be charged as tax and the hardworking citizen pays without grudge. He/ she however waits for years and sees no improvement in the development of his/ her community. “What has my contribution been used for?” they ask.
Corrupt officials feast on contributions of other members of the association, group or union rather than implement those projects for which these contributions are made. In Jesus’ days, tax collectors were seen as chief sinners for the dishonest means with which they discharged their duties. The religio-political leaders of Israel at that time only burdened others to pay taxes and duties. They, as well as their own children were exempted.
This was wrong and very unacceptable. Jesus wanted Peter to know He was very much aware that the system was unfair and corrupt, so He asked him, “from whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or others? “From others” Peter replied. Jesus confirmed by saying “then the children are exempt, but so that we may not cause offence…” let’s pay.
Beloved, pay your contributions to the state or the organization anyway. Pray that God compels them to use it judiciously for the benefit of all. It is also your civil and religious duty to channel your grievances about the unfair system through the appropriate quarters. Refusing to pay, is not consistent with Christian values and may even be contrary to the word of God.
Think about this, pay what you owe the state or association. Why should this be a stumbling block to the uncountable blessings God has in stock for you? Begin to pray now.
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