Sons or Strangers

 

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Which one are you?

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_tax

The Temple tax (lit. מחצית השקל the half shekel) was a tax paid by Israelites and Levites which went towards the upkeep of the Jewish Temple, as reported in the New Testament. Traditionally, Kohanim (Jewish priests) were exempt from the tax. Taxation

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Matthew 17

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”

25 He said, “Yes.”

And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”

26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”

Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.

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Modern “requirements”

While modern churches require, with rare exception, that people pay tithes and offerings, this is not a valid requirement.

It was a requirement for ancient Israel, as it had not changed from the role of servant to the role of child yet.

God desired that Israel fulfill the role of child, and sometimes called the group His children, to encourage them in that role.

At best, it was a failed servant.

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Jesus

When Jesus/Yahshua came, he made the transition possible by his ministry and sacrifice.

Burdens were lifted.

People were more free.

They now had a choice.

Strangers or Son?

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Stranger or Child of God?

This is our choice too.

What do you choose?

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