Matthew 17:24-27
17:24 a Every adult citizen of Israel was required to pay the Temple tax of one-half shekel. In Jesus’ day, priests and some rabbis did not pay the tax.• Peter was the spokesman for the Twelve (see 10:2 b).
Summary for Matt 17:25-26: 17:25-26 c As an obedient Jew, Jesus would have paid the tax annually, and he did pay it. Jesus’ point was that as God’s Son, he is greater than the Temple (12:5-6 d), and he makes a decisive break with it (see 16:18-19 e; 21:33-46 f).
Matthew 18:1-5
Summary for Matt 18:1-35: 18:1-35 g This fourth major discourse in Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29) focuses on responses to the Messiah—acceptance by the disciples and rejection by the Jewish leaders and most of the populace. In light of this growing polarization, Jesus began to instruct his followers on the nature of community life. For a community to live according to Jesus’ standards, it must live with humility (18:1-5 h), sensitivity (18:6-9 i), compassion (18:10-14 j), discipline (18:15-18 k), and forgiveness (18:21-35 l). As with the other discourses, a concluding formula (19:1-2 m) bridges to the next section. 18:1 n About that time: Matthew connects the disciples’ questions with the previous discussion concerning the Temple. The disciples began to assume that their new freedom in relation to Jewish authority entitled them to authority of their own. In addition, talk of special revelations (11:25-27 o; 13:11-17 p) and roles of leadership (10:2-4 q; 19:28 r) probably gave rise to jealous comparisons and petty desires for power among the disciples, perhaps revolving around the apparent privilege of Peter (17:25 s) or Peter, James, and John (17:1-3 t).18:3 u Like little children means to be humble (18:4 v). The disciples had been intent on status and ambition.
18:5 w Jesus moved the discussion toward solidarity within the community; to welcome a humble follower of Jesus is to welcome Jesus himself (see 10:40-42 x).
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