Matthew 17:26 meaning
In the encounter recorded in Capernaum, Peter is approached by tax collectors questioning whether Jesus pays the temple tax. This situation allows Jesus to provide a profound lesson on His identity and humility. He explains that sons are free from such obligations, illustrating that as the Son of God, He is exempt from the tax that supports the temple—God’s house. However, rather than asserting His rights, Jesus chooses to uphold social norms, opting to pay the tax to avoid offending others.
This incident, found in Matthew 17:26, emphasizes the importance of humility and the necessity of sometimes relinquishing one’s rights for the greater good. Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, from which he will retrieve the money needed to pay the tax for both of them. This not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and provision but also sets an example for believers to act in a spirit of humility and selflessness, helping to foster peace and harmony in their communities. By doing so, He reinforces that true greatness in the Kingdom involves serving others, a theme central to His teachings.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 17:24-27 meaning. Tax collectors from the Temple ask Peter whether or not Jesus pays the temple tax prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Peter replies "Yes." When Peter enters his house, Jesus asks him if the king’s sons pay taxes to their Father. Peter replies "No." Jesus then tells His disciple that neither does He owe anything to these collectors, but He will pay it anyway. He then commands Peter to go catch a fish, and to take the coins out of its mouth and use that to pay the tax debt for both of them.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Proverbs 31:23-26 meaning. The virtue of the excellent wife impacts her husband. She is clothed in honor and speaks with the wisdom central to the overall message of Proverbs.
- Matthew 27:17-18 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate’s Second Attempt to Release Jesus. Pilate offers the crowd a choice as to which prisoner he will customarily release: the notorious prisoner Barabbas or Jesus, called Christ. Matthew points out that Pilate did this because he knew the Jews accused Jesus out of envy. Matthew 27:17-18 begins Matthew’s account of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Matthew 27:15-16 meaning. Matthew interjects to inform his readers about a custom the Roman governor performed for the Jews each Passover. The custom was to release a prisoner. Matthew mentions that at that time Rome had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate will later use this custom and the prisoner Barabbas as a bargaining chip in his attempts to release Jesus, whom the governor knows is innocent. Matthew’s interjection divides his narration of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial, which is called: "Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate," from the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. The third phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."