In order not to upset them needlessly, Go and Work!

Matthew 17:22-27

As they were regrouping in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to do with God. They will murder him—and three days later he will be raised alive.” The disciples felt terrible.

When they arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, “Does your teacher pay taxes?” Peter said, “Of course.” But as soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. “Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays—his children or his subjects?” He answered, “His subjects.” Jesus said, “Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us.”

Food for thought!

This incident is very didactic; Jesus is teaching us something important. Jesus did not make any miracle that day, but instead told Peter to go and catch a fish, and that he would find money in the fish's mouth which would be sufficient to pay the tax for both of them. And this was in order not to "upset them needlessly". What's this, if not another way of saying, "Yes, even Christians, we must pay our just and lawful taxes. How? Well, through just work. So, Jesus is indeed saying to Peter, "Get back to your profession of fishing for a day. You'll get plenty of money in the fish's mouths to pay your dues! A day at the fishing will soon produce all you need."

Jesus is saying, "Use your profession, use your talent, use your mind, use your knowledge, use your experience to earn a living. That is the normal way to earn a living; the way to help yourself and your people." So the typist will find money in the keys of her typewriter. The motor mechanic will find food for himself and his wife and family in the engine of the motor car. The teacher will find money to pay his way in the blackboard and the chalk and the books. The clerk will find enough to support himself and his dear ones in the ledger and in the account sheets. The shopkeepers will find their living from behind the counter. Jesus was not telling Peter literally to get coins in fish's mouths. He was telling him and you and me that in the day's work we can get what we need for a living.

He was telling him that we all have what it takes to pay our bills, we have what it takes to make a living, to be successful. God gave everybody talents enough to make us be somebody in life. So, this gospel is about us all, not just Peter. Use what God gave you to make a difference in life. Use what you know to get to where you want to be.

He was telling Peter that being my disciple is no excuse for work. Everybody must earn a living; nobody should live on hand outs. Work is normal for everybody, including followers of Jesus. We must all work, even when we work for Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

Genesis 3:19 Helpful?

"By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground."

1 Thessalonians 4:11 Helpful?

"Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands."

Proverbs 13:4

"No matter how much a lazy person may want something, he will never get it. A hard worker will get everything he wants."