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, NRSVue)
The word here, translated as betrayed in the Greek, is παραδίδωμι. It does not really mean betrayed, but has more of a connotation of being handed over. It is similar, and we look at this as someone betraying Jesus by handing him over to the Jewish High Council. But is it a betrayal?
In order to betray someone, they need to have no knowledge of what the one betraying them is doing, but Jesus knew; did he not? In gospels as he gives Judas communion he tells him to go and do what he must, which others thought was to buy something, but is that what Jesus meant?
Jesus pays taxes and does what is required by society, and was not betrayed by Judas. Judas did a part of the plan. And here Jesus asks Peter, “From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?”
God does not take from others. God takes from themselves and gives freely to others.
God hands over grace, as Judas handed over Jesus.
What do you give in return?
