What is the meaning of Matthew 17:25? “Yes,” he answered • Peter has just been asked whether his Master pays the two-drachma temple tax (Matthew 17:24). • His immediate “Yes” shows loyalty and a desire to honor Jesus’ reputation, much as Peter later says, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will” (Matthew 26:33). • We hear the echo of 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” Peter’s reflex is to defend Christ’s honor first and ask clarifying questions later. • Application: Zeal is good, but answering quickly can leave us short on understanding. It sets the stage for Jesus to teach Peter—and us—about true freedom. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him • Before Peter can speak, “Jesus knew what was in a man” (John 2:25). He often “knew their thoughts” (Matthew 9:4), confirming His divine omniscience. • The Lord addresses Peter privately, underscoring His care for a disciple who had spoken publicly. • Christ’s initiative reminds us of Revelation 3:20—He stands at the door and knocks, taking the first step toward fellowship and correction. “What do you think, Simon?” • Jesus invites reflection rather than issuing a lecture, modeling Proverbs 20:5: “The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” • Calling him “Simon” recalls Peter’s natural name; Jesus is about to sift natural reasoning from spiritual truth. • The question format mirrors Matthew 21:28 (“What do you think?”) where Jesus leads listeners to grasp truth personally. From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others? • Earthly kings exempt their children; subjects pay the levy. Peter replies, “From others” (v. 26), and Jesus affirms, “Then the sons are exempt.” • Implications: – The temple is God’s house; Jesus, as God’s Son, is heir and therefore free (Hebrews 3:6). – Those united to Christ share in this sonship: “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you an heir” (Galatians 4:7). – Yet Jesus will willingly pay (v. 27) “so that we may not offend them,” illustrating 1 Corinthians 10:32–33: seek no offense, but the good of many. • Lesson list: • Freedom in Christ is real (John 8:36) but not license. • Love sometimes yields rights for the sake of witness. • God’s children live under a higher kingdom while respecting earthly structures (Romans 13:7). summary Matthew 17:25 shows Peter’s quick defense of Jesus, Jesus’ omniscient initiative, and a teaching moment on true sonship. Earthly kings tax subjects, not sons; likewise, the true Son is free from the temple tax. Yet Jesus chooses to pay, modeling humble submission for the sake of others. Believers, as God’s sons through Christ, are free indeed, called to exercise that freedom in love and consideration for those still watching our lives. |
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