Once you understand that it’s about the temple tax, it makes a lot more sense. If you read the NKJV or the NIV, then the translators have helped you out with clearly identifying it as the temple tax. If you read one of the more literal translations, the NASB or ESV, then it is simply the “half shekel tax” or the “two-drachma” tax . . . and so you need to compare versions or pull out a commentary in order to understand that Jesus sent Peter fishing for a coin to pay dues for the running of the temple (Matthew 17:24-27). And when it came to paying the temple tax . . . the house of God tax . . . the Son of God did not consider it a hill to die on.

Before even talking to Jesus, Peter assures the collector of the tax that his Teacher would pay up. And, before bringing it up with the all-knowing Son of God, Jesus brings it up with him, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And Peter answers correctly, “From others.” The practice of that time was that a king taxed his subjects, not his family. And so Jesus concludes, in essence, that since they are collecting a tax for the temple . . . for the house of God . . . and since He is the Son of God . . . then He should be tax exempt. “Then the sons are free,” says Jesus.

Ok . . . stop the story here and you have an all-knowing Jesus who again claims to be one with God. But that isn’t the main point of the story. Though Jesus has no need to pay the tax, because it’s kind of His tax, yet He sends Peter on a fishing trip to net a fish that’s going to have enough money in it’s mouth to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter . . . more evidence of the divine authority of Jesus . . . but that isn’t the main point of the story either. I think the main point of the story lies in the reason Jesus concedes to pay the tax . . . so as not to offend.

Not that Jesus was afraid of offending others . . . it was kind of a big part of the reaction many had to Him. When it came to matters of truth . . . when it came to matters of His Father . . . when it came to matters of the kingdom of heaven . . . when it involved matters of eternal significance . . . Jesus stood firmly and boldly . . . and many were offended. But it seems that there were also things that Jesus considered unnecessary to rock the boat over . . . paying the temple tax was one of those. Sure, technically He was tax exempt . . . the tax, after all, was for His house . . . but who knew? And this wasn’t a divine principle that had to be hammered home . . . more important things for Peter and others to learn . . . and so, He paid.

And I can’t help but think that I have the same “freedom” to pass on making a big deal out of stuff that isn’t a big deal. Not to avoid offending for the sake of never offending someone . . . but recognizing those situations where it’s perhaps wiser to cede to the consciences of others rather than needlessly offend. Paul would write, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19).

Not every issue should be an issue. There’s a wisdom that should be exercised . . . a bigger picture, perhaps, to keep in view . . . battles of little importance which should be avoided . . . non-events that can remain non-events.

Sure, Jesus could have stood His ground . . . “I am the Son of God! I don’t pay taxes for the house of God!” Doesn’t sound like Jesus does it? Oh, there would many more opportunities to assert His authority . . . to stand for truth . . . to stand fast concerning matters of eternal significance. But a temple tax . . . not a hill to die on.

Oh, for wisdom to know when not to offend . . .