Jesus’ words often have a deeper meaning than is first apparent. That’s especially true here. When asked to pay the Temple tax, Jesus makes the point that kings collect certain taxes only from foreigners, not subjects. He says that subjects—other translations have “sons”—are exempt from this tax. As the Son of God, then, he is certainly exempt from the Temple tax. But he goes on to say that all children are exempt, meaning his followers as well. He only pays the tax so as not to offend those who had not yet grasped who he was.
What a marvelous truth: Children are free because they are children! The prodigal son, who came back to his father’s house after squandering everything, experienced this freedom in a deep way (Luke 15:11-31). He had become a virtual slave in another country—as we sometimes become slaves of sin. Yet when he came back home, his father treated him with all the dignity of a son. The father was so overjoyed that he forgot all the trouble his wayward son had wrought, and he welcomed him with open arms!
This truth of our freedom as sons and daughters of God can cut both ways. We are even free to stray from him if we choose. We are free to experience the sting of sin and its effects. Ironically, we are even free to become enslaved to a habit of sin!
Of course, we know that this is not the wisest strategy. No, real freedom is the freedom to do God’s will. It’s the freedom that “exempts” us from merely following him out of fear or obligation—the freedom to actually want to live holy lives.
So why be a slave when we can be free? Why live under the burden of divine commandments when you can know the dignity of being a child of God? You are exempt! You have nothing to fear! So go ahead and enjoy your freedom. Let it fill your heart and guide your actions. You’ll end up pleasing God much more than if you were to obey out of fear and anxiety!
“Lord, thank you for the freedom I have to love and serve you. Give me the grace to respond joyfully to whatever you ask of me today.”
Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147:12-15,19-20