August 16

Scripture Matthew 17: 24-27

As Jesus travelled with his disciples there was always someone or some religious leader trying to find some fault in Him and the way He lived. This was no exception. Tax collectors came to Peter and asked him if his master payed taxes like everyone else. Peter said he did. When he went into the house, Jesus asked Peter a question. He said, "Peter, what do you think, do kings take money from their own children or from strangers?" The answer of course was from strangers. Jesus said, "Then the children are free." Meaning, because he was the King of the Jews, His children should not have had to pay taxes.

Then He told Peter they didn't want to offend anyone. Then He told him to do a peculiar thing. He said to go to the sea, cast in a hook and in the mouth of the fish would be a piece of money to pay the tax for Himself and for Peter. I have often wondered when I read this what was going through Peter's mind as he went and did what Jesus said. But I am sure that when he did it and opened the mouth of the fish, the money was there, just like Jesus said.

Jesus expected his disciples to obey the law. It must have really bothered Jesus to see the unfairness of all the taxes, but He always did what was right. It is our responsibility as well to obey the laws of the land. And we too have to do what is right, even if there are times when we don't agree with it. Jesus set examples in the scripture for us to follow and when we follow them, we won't go wrong.




Always do what is right
Regardless of how you feel
God will reward you
When you do no one ill
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