*Matthew 17:24-18:6
Jesus instructs Peter to pay the temple tax miraculously, then emphasizes humility and the importance of children in God’s kingdom.
- Tax Collection Questioned:
- Tax collectors approach Peter to inquire whether Jesus pays the temple tax.
- Peter affirms that Jesus does. Upon entering the house, Jesus initiates a conversation about the matter with Peter.
- Jesus explains that kings do not tax their own children but rather outsiders. Nevertheless, to avoid offense, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing and find a coin in the fish’s mouth to pay their taxes.
- Teaching on Humility:
- Jesus’ disciples question Him about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Jesus calls a child and emphasizes that unless they change and become like children, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
- He underscores humility, stating that whoever humbles themselves like a child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Warning Against Causing Others to Stumble:
- Jesus warns against causing little ones who believe in Him to stumble.
- He declares that severe consequences await those who cause others to sin, likening it to having a millstone hung around their neck and being drowned in the depths of the sea.
17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an 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.
18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.