The Bible says that although paying taxes is a
responsibility no one particularly enjoys it is, nonetheless, to be
taken seriously by people in any society (Matthew 22:15-22). At the same
time, government is supposed to operate for the rewarding of the
righteous and the punishment of the evil doer (Romans 13:1-7). Many have
theorized that since government is corrupt and often does not function,
as it should, this is a license to dishonestly withhold tax money that
is owed. This is, of course, not consistent with what God demands of His
people.
In Jesus' day there were many
types of taxes levied on Jews by the Roman government. One was a tax on
the usage of the temple in Jerusalem as a place of worship. In Matthew
17:24-27, Jesus addressed this issue.
The Bible says, "And when they had come to
Capernaum, those who received the <temple> tax came to Peter and said,
"Does your Teacher not pay the <temple> tax?" {25} He said, "Yes." And
when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do
you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or
taxes, from their <own> sons or from strangers?" {26} Peter said to Him,
"From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. {27}
"Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and
take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth,
you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and
you."
In the preceding segment of verses Jesus
concludes that though the Roman government had no God-given right to tax
the Jews for using the temple THE RIGHT THING TO DO WAS TO PAY THE
TAX. Also, there was not one word of complaint or bitterness from
the Lord as he instructed Peter to pay the tax. Is there any better,
timelier lesson for us today?