Title: Taxpayer Jesus
Contents, dear saints! Because Jesus is the Son of God, there is no need to pay the temple tax. But it was paid so that those who collect the temple tax would not be misunderstood.
First, the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-26).
The temple tax was a duty of the law. When the Israelites reached the age of 20, they were supposed to pay half a shekel for the maintenance of the temple (Exodus 30:13). Because this money was used to serve the tent of meeting or the temple, it is also called the temple tax. But originally, it was a ransom that redeemed life. Therefore, rich and poor alike were to pay half a shekel each. But Jesus doesn't have to pay the temple tax because he doesn't need to own the life. Moreover, because Jesus is the Son of God, he is not obligated to pay taxes in principle.
Second, the payment of the temple tax (Matthew 17:26).
It is not circumcision to satisfy the conditions of salvation, but it is the removal of obstacles that may become obstacles to missions (Acts 16:3). It is similar to the teachings of our ancestors that we do not fix the laces under the cucumber tree and we do not tie the shoelaces in the melon field. Christians have the freedom to do anything that is not a sin. But not all things are profitable, so Paul says that he will never eat of them if, because of his freedom, the weak brethren fall into temptation (1 Corinthians 8:13). If we can restore our relationship and open the door to evangelism by giving up our rights or taking on our obligations, we should be able to give up or sacrifice a lot.
Dear saint! A believer is one who lives by imitating Jesus. You should learn to be considerate of others so as not to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. -Amen-