Jesus pays the temple tax, humility in the kingdom of God, childlike faith, stumble in faith, Christian leadership and humility, the greatest in the kingdom, avoiding spiritual offense, Jesus' view of children, trusting God in the small things, spiritual responsibility, kingdom greatness, servant-hearted living
“So that we may not offend them…” — At the break of dawn, Peter kneels at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, marveling at the silver coin gleaming within the fish’s mouth—divine provision revealed in humble obedience. From a quiet distance, Jesus watches, the serenity of His presence echoing the mystery and majesty of Matthew 17:27.
The Coin, the Child, and the Kingdom
Learning to Lead Through Humility and Trust
In first-century Jewish society, the temple tax was an annual offering required of all Jewish males to support the maintenance of the temple. This tax was not a civil duty but a religious obligation. Meanwhile, children held a very low status socially and were often overlooked. Jesus, however, upends cultural expectations by using both a miraculous provision for the tax and a child to illustrate the essence of true greatness in the kingdom.
Peter is questioned about whether Jesus pays the temple tax, and Jesus, asserting His divine sonship, nonetheless instructs Peter to catch a fish, miraculously providing a coin for both of them. Immediately afterward, Jesus uses a child to teach His disciples about the nature of kingdom greatness. He emphasizes humility, childlike trust, and the gravity of leading others—especially the young and vulnerable—in righteousness.
Matthew 17:27: “But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin.” – Jesus models humble submission and divine provision, even when not obligated.
Matthew 18:3: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Entry into God’s kingdom requires humility, dependence, and trust.
Matthew 18:6: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Jesus takes the spiritual care of the innocent seriously and warns against causing their fall.
Jesus flips our definitions of strength, leadership, and importance. Rather than asserting privilege, He submits to avoid offense. Instead of promoting self-importance, He exalts childlike humility. And He warns in sternest terms about the harm caused by spiritual negligence or pride. This challenges today’s culture of self-promotion, reminding believers that kingdom leadership is marked not by status but by servanthood and sincere care for others’ souls.
Practice Humble Compliance: Like Jesus, sometimes we are called to yield our rights for the sake of witness and peace.
Embrace Childlike Trust: True spiritual maturity means returning to a posture of dependence, wonder, and openness before God.
Protect the Vulnerable: Whether children or new believers, we must be vigilant not to mislead or wound those who trust us.
Where might I need to yield a right or preference to avoid unnecessary offense?
Have I allowed pride or self-reliance to replace simple, childlike trust in God?
Who in my life is spiritually vulnerable, and how am I helping or hindering their growth?
Am I willing to lead through humility rather than influence or authority?
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing us that true greatness in Your kingdom is found in childlike trust and humble service. Forgive me for times when I have clung to pride or failed to care for the vulnerable around me. Teach me to trust You in the small things and to walk in humility, just as Jesus did. Help me protect, encourage, and uplift those who look to me in faith.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
"The Lord sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground." – Psalm 147:6 (BSB)
Today, choose humility over recognition. Seek out one small way to serve someone who cannot repay you—as unto Christ Himself.
