THE TEMPLE TAX

Matthew 17:24-27

24 After Jesus and His Disciples arrived in Capernaum,

The collectors of the Two-dracma Tax

Came to Peter and asked,

'DOESN'T YOUR TEACHER PAY THE TEMPLE TAX?'

25 'Yes, He does,' he replied.

When Peter came into the house,

Jesus was the first to speak.

'WHAT DO YOU THINK, SIMON?'

He asked.

FROM WHOM DO THE KINGS OF THE EARTH

COLLECT DUTY AND TAXES--

FROM THEIR OWN SONS OR FROM OTHERS?'

'From others,' Peter answered.

'THEN THE SONS ARE EXEMPT,'

Jesus said to him.

27 'BUT SO THAT WE MAY NOT OFFEND THEM,

GO TO THE LAKE AND THROW OUT YOUR LINE.

TAKE THE FIRST FISH YOU CATCH;

OPEN ITS MOUTH

AND YOU WILL FIND A FOUR-DRACHMA COIN.

TAKE IT AND GIVE IT TO THEM

FOR MY TAX AND YOURS.'

(Matthew 17:24-27)