Matthew 17:27 meaning
In a significant moment for His disciples, Jesus teaches them about humility and obligation through the incident of paying the temple tax. Despite being the Son of God, exempt from such duties, He chooses to fulfill this civil obligation to avoid causing offense. This act serves as a powerful lesson in humility, emphasizing that followers need not assert their rights in ways that could hinder their witness to the world. Such behavior reflects the call to prioritize the greater good over personal privilege.
Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, which will provide the necessary funds, demonstrating His authority over creation and His ability to provide for needs through miraculous means. This event illustrates that God's provision often comes in unexpected ways, reminding believers of the importance of faith in His provision for both spiritual and practical needs. In essence, Jesus’ actions reflect His mission of reconciling humanity to God while embodying the essence of humility and service. The verse emphasizes the principle that sometimes, relinquishing personal rights for the sake of unity and peace is the path of wisdom.
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee..
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:
- 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.
- Matthew 21:23-27 meaning. The chief priests confront Jesus in the temple and interrogate Him about His authority. They publicly ask Him a framing question hoping to entrap Him. Jesus promises to answer their question if they will answer His alternatively framed question about John the Baptist’s authority. When they decline to answer His question, Jesus declines to answer theirs.
- Matthew 18:1-5 meaning. The disciples enter the house and ask Jesus about who would be the greatest is in the kingdom of heaven. He holds a child and tells them that they must become like this humble child if they are to enter God’s kingdom.