The Jews thought of their temple as very precious to them, not because it was laden with valuable stones and metals but because they saw it as the special abode of God on earth. It was therefore the supreme place for the worship of God. All Jews had to contribute by means of a temple tax to the upkeep of this magnificent edifice.

When Peter asked whether Jesus would pay the temple tax, He did not hesitate to answer in the affirmative. Jesus then took the occasion to teach an important lesson about Himself and the temple. Jesus observed that kings do not take tax from their sons and He thereby implied He was not a subject of God but His Son. Yes, Jesus is the unique Son of God, equally divine with Him. His humanity was the new temple wherein dwelt the fullness of divinity. We too are the living temples of God more precious to Him than any building, even the Jerusalem temple. His life and love are within us since we are His children. Because we are His temples, God does not exact tribute from us but only the free response of love. Are we willing to offer our love? Our love for God is reflected in the love we show others.