Can you imagine what it would be like to have your friend tell you he was going to be killed? It would be hard to wrap your head around. People don’t often talk like that. We spend our lives trying to prolong life, look younger, get fit and trim, eat healthy, etc. Talking about dying is almost a forbidden topic.
This is the second time Jesus brings it up. He’s preparing them for what is to come. His disciples are grieving already. They must feel like they are just getting to know Jesus. It’s not fair he’ll be taken away so soon. They will certainly not be blindsided when the time does come.
Our reading then shifts to talking about taxes. That is not a new topic to most of us. Sometimes it seems like there is a tax on everything. The government needs funding to stay operational after all. So, too, in Jesus’ day. For some reason there appears to be doubt that Jesus was paying the temple tax. What is this all about?
It appears that there was a tax, a half shekel offering, paid annually by male Jews to support the temple and its sacrifices. So by asking Peter there must have been some doubt that Jesus had been compliant. Jesus’ response is a bit surprising. He doesn’t directly attack the tradition does he? Jesus knew his death would negate the need for this tax.
For purposes of this story, Jesus chose to not offend. He sent Peter to catch a fish. The first fish to take the bait would have a large coin in its mouth. Plenty to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter. We don’t hear how the story ends but we know what happened with the loaves and fish on two occasions. We believe Jesus at his word. I’m guessing Peter did too.
We see here that Jesus went with the flow to keep peace. This was not an injustice he felt he needed to attack. On the contrary. He did what was expected. We can take wisdom from this. Sometimes it’s better when we pick our battles. It’s better to conserve our energy for the more important issues.
Take some time today and think about what is consuming your thoughts these days. Is it something with “kingdom consequences?” That is, does it affect the body of Christ in any negative way?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for this example of humility and grace. Help me to be more like you. Guard my thoughts and actions so that I don’t offend or throw someone off course. There are very good causes that help further your kingdom. Help me to find those. Continue to go before me and prepare me for the encounter with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
