What does "the sons are exempt" reveal about our identity in Christ? Setting the Scene Matthew 17:24-27 describes Peter being asked whether Jesus pays the two-drachma temple tax. After Peter answers, Jesus asks him: “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duties and taxes—from their own sons or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. (Matthew 17:25-26) The Meaning of “the sons are exempt” • Earthly kings do not tax their own children; the royal family is free from that obligation. • Jesus applies the same principle to Himself and, by extension, to those who belong to Him: if the temple is His Father’s house, He (the Son) owes nothing. • By paying the tax anyway (v.27), He shows humility and avoids offense, but the declaration stands—sons are free. Our Identity as Sons and Daughters • Adoption through faith in Christ brings us into God’s household. – “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). • As children, we share Christ’s privilege of freedom from the law as a means of earning favor. – “You have received the Spirit of sonship... The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:15-16). • Heirs receive what belongs to the Father. – “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Key truths revealed by “the sons are exempt”: 1. Position of Privilege – We stand inside the household; duty is no longer about earning acceptance. 2. Freedom from Religious Debt – Ceremonial obligations no longer bind us to win God’s approval (Galatians 4:6-7). 3. Assured Access – Sons approach without fear of rejection (Hebrews 4:16). 4. Shared Authority – Believers represent the Father’s interests in the world (1 Peter 2:9). Practical Implications • Serve God out of love, not compulsion. • Give generously, worship faithfully, and obey gladly—not to gain status, but because we already have it. • Walk in confidence; condemnation has no rightful claim on God’s children (Romans 8:1). • Reflect the family likeness—holiness, mercy, truth—so others see the Father through us (Matthew 5:16). Caution Against Abuse of Freedom • Jesus still paid the tax “so that we may not offend them” (v.27). Freedom never becomes an excuse for selfishness (1 Peter 2:16). • Use liberty to serve, building bridges for the gospel rather than erecting barriers (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). “The sons are exempt” anchors our identity: fully accepted, richly privileged, and lovingly motivated children of the King. |
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