Who Pays More in Taxes?
In the book of Matthew at chapter 17, Jesus and His disciples were confronted with a situation. The story takes place from verses twenty-four through twenty-seven. When they were in Capernaum, Jesus and the crew were visited by the tax collector.
They came to Peter and asked him if his Master (Jesus) pays tribute or taxes? Peter told him of course, and came to Jesus to deal with the situation. However, before Peter could get into it, Jesus asked him a question. Jesus asked him what does he think; of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Do they take it of their own children or of strangers?
This is not really a difficult question, and Peter straightly answered, the kings of the earth would take tribute of strangers and not their children. This fell right into Jesus’ lap as He declared then the children are free… meaning He should not have to pay tribute.
Who Pays More in Taxes?
This was brought up because the Romans would enforce a heavy tax system periodically taxing people heavily. Jesus is emphasizing that the native children of Israel shouldn’t have to pay because they are children of the kingdom and not strangers. Even more, Jesus is a descendant from the royal family of King David, thus was not required to pay tribute.
Nevertheless, so as to not cause a bother or scene, Jesus did so anyway in dramatic fashion. Jesus had Peter go out to the sea, catch the first fish that came up, and collect the money out of the fish’s mouth. Jesus had Peter not only pay His taxes, but Peter’s also. What a friend Peter had in Jesus.
So who pays more in taxes? The children or the strangers? You got it, so even if you are the children of the kingdom and are required to pay, do so without hesitation so you do not offend any.
Blessings in Jesus name!
ps: this is tax time in the US, so pay your taxes
Scripture Matthew 17:
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.