22 When the disciples came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Human One is about to be delivered over into human hands. 23 They will kill him. But he will be raised on the third day.” And they were heartbroken. 24 When they came to Capernaum, the people who collected the half-shekel temple tax came to Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes,” he said. But when they came into the house, Jesus spoke to Peter first. “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect taxes, from their children or from strangers?” 26 “From strangers,” he said. Jesus said to him, “Then the children don’t have to pay. 27 But just so we don’t offend them, go to the lake, throw out a fishing line and hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” (Matthew 17:22-27, CEB)
Who pays taxes, strangers or the kings offspring?
Of course the royal family doesn’t pay taxes, so why would Jesus have to pay tax? Especially in the temple, which is his Father’s house?
But to show that they do not want to offend they will pay the tax, with money they get from the Father.
This could be seen as Judas was seen in the gospel of John, as one who was stealing money, they wanted Jesus to pay so that their pockets would be lined rather than being worried about the money going to God.
Why do we give money to the church?
