The Issue of Temple Tax and the Coin in the fish's Mouth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Nineteenth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 17:22-27*

*First Reading : Dt 10:12-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20*

*The Issue of Temple Tax and the Coin in the fish's Mouth*

*1) Background of the Temple Tax*

The temple tax was an annual payment required of every Jewish male, usually half a shekel, to support the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem (see Exodus 30:13–16). 

It was not a Roman tax, but a religious obligation tied to participation in Jewish life and worship.

*2) Jesus' Identity and Sonship*

Jesus asks Peter whether kings collect taxes from their children or from others. 

The implied answer is that the children are exempt. 

By this, Jesus subtly affirms His divine Sonship—He is the Son of God, and the temple is His Father’s house. 

Therefore, He is not obligated to pay the temple tax.

This reveals Jesus’ unique identity. He is not just another devout Jew; He is the Son of God, and as such, is free from the obligation to support a system that, in essence, was pointing to Him.

*3) Freedom and Humility*

Even though Jesus is exempt, He still chooses to pay the tax. Why? “So that we may not cause offense.”

Jesus often confronts hypocrisy or false teaching head-on, but in this case, He models humility and accommodation for the sake of peace.

This shows the balance between freedom and responsibility. 

Even when we are technically in the right or not obligated, there are times when it’s wiser to yield in love for the sake of others’ conscience or peace.

*4) God’s Provision*

The miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth is a vivid reminder that God can provide in the most unexpected ways. 

Jesus doesn't pull a coin from a purse, ask Judas (the treasurer), or ask Peter to pay out of his own pocket. 

Instead, He instructs Peter to do what he knows—fish—and God provides miraculously.

When we obey Christ, even in small or strange instructions, God is able to meet our needs—often in ways we wouldn't anticipate. 

It's a call to trust in His provision and obey even when the command doesn’t make total sense

*5) The Value of Obedience*

Peter doesn't argue or question. He simply obeys. 

His obedience leads to a provision that blesses both him and Jesus (“for my tax and yours”).

Often, our obedience not only brings blessing to us but also impacts those around us. 

Jesus uses Peter’s action to meet both of their obligations, suggesting the communal ripple effects of faithful obedience.

*6) Concluding Thought*

This short episode reflects Christ’s divine authority, humble approach to human institutions, and God’s supernatural provision. 

It challenges believers to reflect on our own lives:

Are we walking in the freedom Christ gives us while still acting in humility?

Do we trust God to provide for our needs in unexpected ways?

Are we willing to follow Christ even when His instructions seem unusual?

Let this small story inspire a big trust in God, and a gracious spirit in how we engage with the world around us.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*