In Jewish life, every male above the age of 20 (Exodus 30:11-15) is obligated to pay the Temple Tax (a half-shekel for each male: equivalent to two days’ wage). This tax is supposedly used for the day-to-day running of the Temple, which involves the offerings of a year-old lamb for the morning and evening sacrifices; along with the wine, flour, oil, and incense. It is also used for the costly hangings in the Temple, the robes of the priests and the High Priest. Hence, such obligatory payment is common knowledge.

This obligation came up when the collectors of the half-shekel came to Peter and asked whether the half-shekel was paid by Jesus. They probably came with ill intent to trap Jesus.

However, Jesus dutifully exemplified to the disciples by following the customary practice of the day and not “offend’’ the collectors. It is not His hour to be delivered to their hands yet. Jesus then asked Peter to go and cast a line in the lake and hook a fish, since only a little amount is sufficient. Further, his legitimate work deserves its decent reward which is offered to the temple.

As Christians, we pay what is required of us to the legitimate authorities, not with corrupted gains. Jesus shows us to do what is right in the eyes of the law and fulfill our obligations, not to add nor to gain corrupted favours.