As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were overwhelmed with grief. When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes," he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, "What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?" When he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, "Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you." (Mt 17:22-27)
Jesus prepared his disciples for his journey to Jerusalem and also for his death. The disciples who were ready to go any extend to be with their master and Lord were overwhelmed with grief. However one may be prepared, the death always leaves us with grief and so also any news about it.
Jesus also gives a social teaching in this passage compared to his religious teachings. Here he talks about tolls and census tax. Jesus is also aware of the social or political practice of the society. Taxes are always collected from the foreigners.
Jesus carries over this image and practice to the temple tax. Since he is the son of God he does not have the need to pay the temple tax. Temple is not the foreign land for him. In fact the temple belongs to him (He is the temple). But herein he gives a beautiful lesson that is worth reflecting about. “But we may not offend them” seem to suggest the delicate conscience of Jesus. He wanted no one to take offence at him. He wanted to comply to all rules.
