Divine “tax returns”

April 3, 2007

By Greg Ebie

Someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty has been waving to passing cars for the past few days. The kids asked why. I told them it was an advertising gimmick for the Liberty Tax Office; it is tax season again and they are out there drumming up business for themselves.

I used to dread tax time, fearful of how much I would have to pay out in income taxes. I’ve learned to look at tax time as a reminder of God’s provision — a reason to give thanks!

Peter found himself confronted by some eager tax collectors wanting to know if Jesus paid the customary taxes. These were not taxes paid to the Roman government but the temple tax paid by all Jewish males for the upkeep of the temple. Before Peter had a chance to tell Jesus about it, Jesus used the circumstance to show His disciples He is God’s Son.

Jesus asked Peter, “Who do kings collect taxes from — from their sons or their subjects?” Peter rightly answered it was from the citizens and not the children a king levied taxes.

“Jesus said, ‘Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us’ ” (Matthew 17:26,27, The Message).

Jesus wanted His disciples to understand, as God’s Son, He was exempt from the temple tax. A king rules over all and claims ownership of his kingdom; that’s why a king levies taxes. Jesus as the Son of God had the ultimate authority over all of heaven and earth; everything belonged to Him.

Nevertheless, Jesus used this opportunity to prove His identity in a most unusual way. Jesus didn’t reach into His pocket to get the money for the tax. He sent Peter fishing! From the mouth of a fish Jesus paid His tax and Peter’s too.

Now you know why taxes are no big deal to me anymore. Jesus provided for Peter, and the Lord will provide for you and me as well. Have faith that in everything we serve a loving King who has given us liberty through His Son and will provide us with all we need because we are His children.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.