Slices
Prepare
As you begin, take a few moments to recall God’s generosity in giving you free access to his presence.
Bible passage
The temple tax
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’
25 ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. ‘What do you think, Simon?’ he asked. ‘From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or from others?’
26 ‘From others,’ Peter answered.
‘Then the children are exempt,’ Jesus said to him. 27 ‘But so that we may not cause offence, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.’
Explore
Each adult male Jew in Jesus’ day was expected to pay tax to maintain the Temple in Jerusalem. While not compulsory, it was considered patriotic. Rabbis and priests were exempt. The tax collectors wondered whether Jesus claimed the same exemption (v 24). Peter said clearly that Jesus paid it (v 25).
Jesus looked at the bigger picture (vs 26,27). God did not require his children to pay taxes to him to come into his presence. His kingdom is about free entry, love and generosity.
However, Jesus knew there was nothing to be gained from refusing to pay the tax. He told Peter to pay it for both of them, so as not to cause offence. Why do you think Jesus did that? Can you think of times when you do what is expected in order not to cause offence? Why do you do that?
Jesus told Peter to find the money in a most unusual way (v 27)! The point wasn’t whether Peter caught a fish with a coin in its mouth or not. Rather, it shows that Jesus was a master strategist, knowing when to take a stand against opposition and when to avoid giving offence, which might jeopardise his Father’s mission.
Respond
Pray for Christians facing opposition today. Pray that they will know when to take a stand for God’s kingdom and when to avoid giving offence.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 51,52; Hebrews 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that the Scripture Union movement – which extends far beyond the staff team to include many volunteers, young leaders and supporters – will be united to reveal Jesus to the next generation and will see incredible impact in the coming months.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
