22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.”

They were exceedingly sorry. 24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?” 25 He said, “Yes.”

When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”

26 Peter said to him, “From strangers.”

Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt. 27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”

Matthew 17:22-27 - World English Bible

What's the old saying, “Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes?” In this passage, Jesus again predicted his death and resurrection; that saddened the disciples. When they returned to home base in Caperaum, collectors inquired about the Lord's payment of the Temple tax, as required by Exodus 30:13. Such a tax had two functions; payment was an act of worship for the faithful and monies collected supported the sanctuary. Notice Jesus instructed Peter to pay with a Greek coin (a stater, worth two drachmas, equivalent to the half shekel demanded by the Law) such coins had images embossed on them. In other words, they paid the tax with a idolatrous image. But, since these coins were in general circulation at the time, Jews used them as a matter of convenience.

Now, notice the question Jesus asked of Peter about tribute and his answer. Kings demand tribute (a loyalty tax), but children of the royal family were exempt. But, who were the children of the Kingdom? Weren't they free from such payment? Despite such stature, the Lord wanted Simon to pay the tax as to avoid scandal. (After the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, emperor Vespasian ordered Jews to pay the Temple tax to Roman officials for the upkeep of temple to Jupiter in Rome.)

As children of God, we are free to act but with freedom comes responsibility. Our status obliges us to act in a way that will evangelize. Yes, inevitably we will pay taxes and we will die, but must we complain all the time? Is the goal of life to live forever in this plane of existence with as little government interference as possible? Or is it to look forward to life with God and to bring as many people to him as possible?

What are your goals in life?