The Second Donkey

Pt. Dave Kenney

Matthew 17:24-27 (NIV)
²⁴After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"

²⁵"Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"

²⁶"From others," Peter answered.

"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. ²⁷"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

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After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
"Yes, he does," he replied.

Capernaum

Peter's real name is Simon.
Capernaum is a small city, head city of fishing field. Most of the disciples originate came from Batsyeba [means house of fishing] : Simon, James, John, Matthew, Philip, Nathaniel.. 7(12).
Jesus is the living in Capernaum.
That's why the question pop out.

Temple Tax

a voluntarily tax - every non slave through out Mediterian will sent it.
Rome conquered and destroyed the temple, but keep the tax system but sent it to Rome.
That's why they are questioning Jesus' on paying taxes.

Peter is always quick in giving answer.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes - from their own sons or from others?"
"From others," Peter answered.

Taxes are from others to the King, not the king to the King.
"I don't have to pay cause I am the SON." Not obligated.

Simple Parable - Jesus give answers to Peter.

"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. ²⁷"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." Matthew 17: 27 (NIV)

Jesus wants to do it because He doesn't want to offend others.

• What kind of fish is this?
• it might have been a tilapia [also called St. Peter's fish]

• 

• The coins came out - this is one out of two stroy that don't have result.
• Only Peter's tax was paid. Why? Because Peter is older. Jesus was 30. The others is under 20 years old.

So why this story became important? Why did the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to tell this story?

1. Jesus is God's son - check out the parable about King and Son.

2. Jesus uses His power
Jesus knows what's going on.
miracle with the coin [pix of coins eating fish]
It was at the right time, right coins : Miracle!
Jesus' miracle is the same kind of miracle. When He says something, it actually happens!

3. Jesus has total control.

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
[they didn't bring him to be repent, but to get him healed]
At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say,'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on eart to forgive sins..." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." ANd the man got up and went home. WHen the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 9:1-8

it's easier to say "your sins are forgiven" - everyone can say, coz there's no evidence.
That's why then Jesus decide to say 'Get up and walk' so crowd knows the power He have. This is the miracle He did to validate.

4. Jesus accepts everyone.

Jesus chose :
Peter - failed as a Rabi
Matthew - tax collector, a crook.
Levi
James and John - disciples of John the Baptist.
Nathanael, Philip, Andrew - no one want then for students.

These are all non star potential Galalean - they talk funny, and people make fun of them.

Applicaitons

Jesus really is God's Son
He is the Son of God. Not just as a role model.
How do you related yourself to Him?

Jesus uses His power - and keep using it. We just need to be reminded.

Jesus has total control
He knows every action. But He doesn't control what you want and what you desire.

Jesus accepts everyone
Not just accepts. BUT He chose, and give value and purpose in people's life.