Matthew 17:24-27 ESV “When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
25 “He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
26 “And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.”
27 “However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Jesus anticipates Peter’s questions and worry
Jesus spoke to him first, saying…
Jesus question is typical of a Rabbi
Matthew 17:25 “From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
Jesus paid the temple-tax, but it is how it is done that shows us God
Matthew 17:27 “However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”