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Matthew 17:24-27
The temple tax regulations is found in Exodus 30:11-16, and it is the way in which God has designed to take care of the financial obligations of the temple, or for us today, the church. In Matthew 17:24-27 Peter is questioned as to if Jesus pays the “temple tax.” Jesus anticipates the curiosity of Peter as he has already confirmed that Jesus does indeed pay the tax, yet he comes to Jesus to confirm it with Him. This conversation is recorded in Matthew 17:25b-27 (NKJV), “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 sons or from strangers?”
Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 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.”
This is an example of the humility of Jesus showing respect for others.
This is an example that the temple/church is to be supported from our love and obedience to God.
Many people believe that the church takes an offering only to get rich from the obedience and generosity of the people. I must say that some churches have fallen to the sin of the love for money; and this is not the intention of the command given by God in Exodus 30:11-16, but if we all gave the tithe – ten percent (the amount given by Abraham to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, in Genesis 14:20), the Church would be the most wealthy organization in the world – and no one would ever be in need financially as the generosity of the Church would look after the needs of the community (Acts 2:40-47).
Dear LORD,
Please bless Your Church today and open the eyes of the congregation to see that the Church depends on the tithe of the congregation to survive in this sinful world. Please keep the Church – priests, pastors, and congregation obedient and humble in the giving of the tithe, that it would be to You LORD to support the action of the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.