他們來到葛法翁時,收殿稅的人來對伯多祿跟前說:「你們的師傅不納殿稅嗎?」伯多祿說:「當然納稅。」他一進到屋裏,耶穌就先對他說:「西滿!你以為怎樣?地上的君王向誰徵收關稅或丁稅呢?向自己的兒子,或是向外人?」伯多祿說:「向外人。」耶穌對他說:「所以兒子是免稅的了。但是,為避免冒犯他們,你往海邊去垂釣,拿釣上來的第一條魚,開了它的口,就會找到一塊「斯塔特」。拿去交給他們,當作我和你的殿稅。」
瑪竇福音 17:22-27
福音講述到了葛法翁,收殿稅的人問伯多祿耶穌不納殿稅嗎?按猶太人的法律,二十歲或以上的男子,除了司祭外,每年都該繳納半個「斯塔特」作為殿稅,支持聖殿的開銷。耶穌問伯多祿「地上的君王向誰徵稅?」,伯多祿答說「外人」。如果地上君王的兒子不必繳稅,身為默西亞、天主子的耶穌,當然也豁免向天父的聖殿繳稅。
這段經文的目的,明顯地在於說明耶穌的真實身份,不過這身份暫時仍是隱而不宣的。耶穌表達遵守當時法律,因此藉著一個奇蹟,使祂與伯多祿兩人都能繳納殿稅。藉著這個奇蹟,耶穌顯示祂的大能以鞏固門徒的信心,再次說明祂作為天主子身份。
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.
Give that to them for me and for you.”
Matthew 17:22-27
In today's Gospel, for the second time, Jesus warns His disciples about His suffering, death, and resurrection. The disciples do not understand what "resurrection" means, as a result they are overwhelmed with grief over Jesus' suffering. When we only think about the cross, we would also be sad. As we pick up our crosses, let us also hope for our resurrection, that keeps us going forward.
When they come to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax asked Peter if Jesus would pay the tax. A half shekel was levied each year on all Jewish males of 20 years or older. It was for the upkeep of the temple. Jesus asks Peter: "From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?" Peter answers: "From foreigners." If the sons of the kings on earth are exempt from paying tax, Jesus the Messiah, Son of God should also be exempt from paying the temple tax, since the temple is God's house.
The purpose of this passage is to illustrate Jesus' identity, which is not yet revealed to others. Jesus obeys the law at the time. With a miracle, Jesus and Peter can both pay the tax, which also serves to strengthen the disciples' faith and to prove His identity as the Son of God.