Jesus gives the second prediction of His death. Maybe Jesus told them this again in case the glory of the transfiguration caused them to overlook what Jesus had said earlier. The disciples were filled with grief, demonstrating that they did not understand what resurrection was all about. We need to appreciate that the resurrection was a totally unexpected event as far as the disciples were concerned.
Next comes another question, this time addressed to the disciples about whether or not Jesus paid the temple tax. Peter says yes, then goes to Jesus. Jesus seems to say that actually He had no need to pay the tax, but would do so in order to avoid causing unnecessary offence. The money is then obtained miraculously.
These teaches us several things:
- The church should not be about exploiting the children of God. People in church are not mere "members", we are children of the living God. This should affect all sorts of aspects of our relationships.
- While Jesus was not shy to cause offence when necessary, He did not go looking to cause trouble.
- Sometimes it seems we have to carry an unnecessary burden (paying the temple tax in this case), we should not fret about these times, but just get on with it. God will provide what is needed.
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