Tax time is here again, and the deadline is quickly approaching. For those still working on their taxes, it usually means one of two things. Either they owe money, or they are planning to file an extension.
People have different reactions when it comes to taxes. Some actually appreciate them, often those who work for that well-known three-letter agency we will not name right now. Others are indifferent, and a small few might even say they love them. But for most people, just hearing the word taxes brings a sense of fear or at least uneasiness.
I once lived in a city that collected income tax from anyone who lived or worked there. I used to call it a luxury tax for living in the city. The irony was that this was not a city known for comfort or safety. In fact, it was often listed among the most dangerous cities.
One year, the company I had worked for over many years was sold to an out-of-state company. During the transition, we had to transfer all of our payroll and tax information. When I completed my paperwork, I told them to keep everything the same, including my deductions.
What I did not realize was that my city income tax was never carried over. At the same time, I was no longer reviewing my pay stubs closely since everything had gone electronic. So, when tax season came the following year, I was shocked to learn that I owed city income tax, and it was not a small amount.
I was frustrated. Not only had the mistake happened, and not only had I failed to catch it, but now I had to pay a significant amount of money to a city that, at the time, I felt should have been paying me to live there.
Reactions like this are nothing new. In fact, they are not much different from what people felt in biblical times, especially during the days of Jesus. Back then, tax collectors, known as publicans, had a very poor reputation. They were often seen as dishonest, as thieves and cheaters. Many were wealthy, but their wealth was believed to have been gained through corruption and extortion. It is not hard to see some parallels even today.
This is not meant to criticize those who work in tax collection, but Scripture gives us several moments that reveal how people viewed taxes and tax collectors during that time.
In Luke chapter 18, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood confidently, thanking God that he was not like other people, such as thieves, sinners, and adulterers. He even pointed out that he was not like the tax collector nearby. Meanwhile, the tax collector stood at a distance, beating his chest in deep remorse and acknowledging his sinfulness. Jesus used this moment to teach that it is the humble, not the self-righteous, who are justified.
In Luke chapter 19, as Jesus entered Jericho, we meet Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. He was short in stature and could not see over the crowd, so he ran ahead and climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus passed by, He looked up, called Zacchaeus by name, and told him to come down because He was going to stay at his house.
This shocked the crowd because they knew Zacchaeus’ reputation. Yet Zacchaeus responded with joy and repentance. He declared that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times over. Jesus then proclaimed that salvation had come to his house that day.
In Matthew chapter 22, the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a political question. They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” Knowing their intentions, Jesus asked for a coin and said, “Whose image is on it?” When they answered, “Caesar’s,” He replied, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Now consider Matthew 17:24–27.
As Jesus and His disciples approached Capernaum, collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and asked, “Does your teacher pay the temple tax?” Peter quickly answered, “Yes, He does.”
When Peter entered the house, before he could say anything, Jesus addressed the situation, showing that He already knew what had happened. Jesus asked Peter, “What do you think? Do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes from their own children or from others?”
Peter answered, “From others.”
Jesus then said, “Then the children are free.”
That statement carries weight. It speaks of freedom. It speaks of identity. It speaks of belonging to the Kingdom.
Yet Jesus continued. In order not to offend them, the tax would still be paid. Then He gave Peter an unexpected instruction. He told him to go to the lake, cast a line, and take the first fish he caught. When he opened the fish’s mouth, he would find money, enough to pay both Jesus’ tax and Peter’s tax.
Think about that moment. They had just traveled and arrived in Capernaum. They were likely tired and ready to rest. Yet instead of resting, Peter was sent back to work, doing what he once did as a fisherman.
He obeyed. He went, caught a fish, opened its mouth, and found exactly what was needed.
The point here is not just about taxes. Jesus made it clear that the children of the King are free. Yet even in that freedom, He provided what was necessary.
Because Peter obeyed, Jesus covered both of them.
That is the deeper message. Jesus pays the price for those who belong to Him. He invites us into His Kingdom, and through that invitation, we become children of God. And as children, we are free from the ultimate penalty of sin.
Recently, many celebrated what the world calls Easter and what believers call Resurrection Sunday. This is the reminder that Jesus rose from the dead after paying the debt for our sins.
He paid more than a tax. He paid the ultimate price.
So instead of focusing only on the taxes we owe, we should also reflect on the freedom we have been given. God provides for us. He gives us the ability to work, to earn, and to meet our obligations. That in itself is a blessing.
And if He ever tells me to go catch a fish with money in its mouth to pay my taxes, I will gladly go. I will also definitely let you know.
Until then, I will trust in the One who provides in every way.
G. Edward Wyche