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 17:24-27, NRSV)
When I read this I thought about the Hunger Games series…
From where are the tributes taken?
Not from those who live in the capital, but yes they are but those are trained and are usually the victors…
Yet we take from the ones who should not be taken.
We take from others to feed our own needs, to make what we want be the thing that we get.
But as children of the King, we need to give tribute, not like the Hunger Games, for the pleasure of the one in charge, but because everything we have is from Him and we should use it for the betterment of others.
We give tribute to God, not because He needs it or wants it, but because our lives over flow with rich blessings we are moved to do it.
Give no offense, but give to all as you have been blessed!
aSacredRebel 