We opened today’s discussion with a riddle concerning a televangelist whose “sermons” continue to be shown on TV, even after his death. This particular preacher spoke simply and directly about illness, depression, disability, divorce, and taxes. He never asked his “congregation” to send him money. He behaved in a Christ-like manner without ever mentioning Christ in his TV preaching. Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister who didn’t advertise his credentials. He knew his listeners’ concerns, and he spoke their language.

How would WE explain the concept of taxes to a child? There are things we can’t pay for alone. So we join with other people to make sure we have roads and clean water and many other things we deem important. Of course, each of us can point to ways our tax dollars are not well spent! In Jesus’ time, however, taxes were imposed by a highly intertwined political/religious hierarchy composed of Romans and Jews who wanted to keep peace with and for the Roman emperor. Herod had rebuilt the temple, but it is likely that he had done so for reasons OTHER THAN faith! He was charged with the responsibility of keeping the Jews in line. :-0

Jesus quizzes Peter regarding the temple tax. Do rulers impose taxes on their sons or on foreigners (over whom they rule)? And Peter answers, “On foreigners.” Jesus points out that sons are exempt from taxes, but then counsels Peter to pay the tax anyway, so as not to be disrespectful. Jesus sends Peter out to fish. Peter catches a fish with a shekel in its mouth - enough to pay the tax for both of them.

Although this story struck us as fanciful (that is, it’s not something we’ve experienced in a literal fashion), we found within this passage gentle reminders that we are God’s sons and daughters and that God intends to provide for our needs.

We weren’t able to give proper attention to the story of the impoverished widow, but we agreed that Christ must have seen that this particular woman was giving NOT out of a sense of obligation, NOT out of a desire to be seen, but out of a spirit of generosity, even in the midst of her adversity. Christ deemed her attitude to be of greater value than the precious stones that (visibly) adorned the temple.