Matthew 17: 22-27
There are two ways the payment of the Temple tax is related to the death of Jesus later in the Gospels. As noted in the Gospel portion today, only foreigners paid taxes in Roman times as it was a penalty or punishment for being a non-citizen. Jesus, being a citizen, pays the tax on our behalf - just as he will do in dying on the cross.
What is more, the imposition of the tax itself upon a citizen is an act of injustice against Jesus by the religious authorities of his day. The accusations against Jesus and his ultimate execution will all be injustices foisted upon Jesus by both the religious and civil world. But as in the case of paying the tax, Jesus will die without complaint or grievance. He will instead forgive everyone involved and suffer the injustice rather than commit one.
This text provides much for us to ponder in our age of perpetual grievance and outrage. How many injustices do we commit in our grievance and outrage! How many people do we turn off from religion by our incessant whining and unjust deeds! The death of Jesus was not merely a vicarious event for our benefit. It was an example for us to follow and imitate in our lives.
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