Taxed
Sometimes, when you need help, it comes in the strangest ways.
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” - Matthew 17:22-27
Why would Jesus choose a fish to deliver the coin used to pay the Temple tax?
The point he was making was that the King does not tax his own children. In other words, God does not ask of us for himself. He asks of us for others.
So, the lesson is really for the Pharisees and scribes who depend on the money collected from the people, the children of God, for their livelihood.
They are the ones Jesus is angry with. They are living off the people, not working for them, but having the people do the work and pay their way.
If we choose to offer our labors or the pay we receive for them, that is one thing, but if we are taxed for our "share" that is another.
Taxes are mandatory. Donations are not required, and that is what makes them more meaningful.
When we offer from our own without being forced to do it, the money comes from the heart and that is where Jesus wants us to be, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
So, we should give to help people in need, not because it is required, but because it is not.
More to come...