Freedom and Responsibility: Living as Children of God

Freedom and Responsibility: Living as Children of God

Reflection on Matthew 17:22-27

In today’s Gospel, we witness a moment of both deep sorrow and subtle teaching. Jesus speaks plainly to His disciples about His impending Passion: betrayal, death, and resurrection. This is the second time He shares this, and once again, the disciples are “greatly distressed.” How could they not be? Their beloved Teacher was preparing them for the unimaginable.

But the Gospel quickly shifts scenes, almost abruptly, into something seemingly minor—an interaction about paying the temple tax. But as with all things Jesus says and does, there is profound meaning beneath the surface.

The temple tax was a required offering for the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem. Every Jewish male was expected to pay it annually. The collectors ask Peter whether Jesus pays this tax. Peter responds, “Yes,” perhaps uncertainly, wanting to defend his Master. But before Peter can even bring up the subject, Jesus addresses it Himself.

“From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” Jesus is drawing a comparison between earthly kings and God the Father. Just as the children of earthly kings are exempt from paying taxes, Jesus—being the Son of God—is not bound to pay the temple tax. In fact, as the true Temple, He has a unique freedom from all such obligations. And by extension, those who belong to Christ, who are children of the same heavenly Father, are free too.

But then comes a remarkable twist: Jesus chooses to pay the tax anyway, not out of obligation, but “so that we do not give offense.” He exercises His freedom not to avoid responsibility, but to model humility and charity. He places love of neighbor above the assertion of His rights.

And He performs a small miracle—having Peter catch a fish with a coin in its mouth—to cover the tax for both of them. It’s almost whimsical, but deeply meaningful. It shows His divine authority over creation and also His provision. Even in small matters, He cares for His disciples.

So, what does this mean for us?

First, we are reminded of our identity. Through baptism, we are children of God, sons and daughters of the King. We have a spiritual freedom—a freedom from sin, from fear, from worldly expectations. But freedom, in the Christian life, is never self-serving. Like Jesus, we are called to live our freedom with humility and responsibility.

Second, Jesus teaches us not to cause unnecessary scandal. Even when we may be “right,” even when we are free, we are called to act with charity, thinking of others before ourselves. This is not weakness—it’s love in action.

Third, we are reminded that God provides. Even in the mundane—like paying a tax—He is present, guiding, providing, sustaining. He does not always rescue us from responsibility, but He walks with us through it.

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Key Takeaway:
As children of God, we are free—not to escape responsibility, but to live with love, humility, and trust in God's provision. True Christian freedom is not about asserting our rights, but about choosing what is good for others, even when we don’t have to.