Universal Utterings

for August 11, 2025

A Godcast

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08-11-2025 Matthew 17 v2227 Then the Subjects are Exempt

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 17 Verses 22 thru 27

22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”25 “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” 26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

In Matthew 17:22-27, Jesus and his disciples find themselves confronted by a question about the temple tax, which was a yearly offering required of Jewish men for the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus, aware of the conversation, teaches a profound lesson about identity and obligation. When he says, “Then the subjects are exempt,” He is referring to the idea that, as the Son of God and the King of the Kingdom, He and His followers are not bound by the earthly laws and obligations that govern the temple. In essence, His divine authority exempts them from paying the tax.

However, fully aware of the potential for misunderstanding and the desire to avoid offense, Jesus provides a miraculous solution. He instructs Peter to go fishing, promising that the first fish he catches will contain a coin worth twice the amount needed for the tax. This moment showcases several key themes in Jesus’ ministry. First, it highlights His divine power to provide for the needs of His followers in unexpected ways. Secondly, it demonstrates His willingness to engage with earthly institutions, not to undermine them but to fulfill them in a way that reflects His greater mission.

Through this act of providence, Jesus teaches that while His followers are not obliged to the temple tax spiritually, they can choose to fulfill such obligations to maintain peace and goodwill within their community. The miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth serves as a tangible reminder that God knows our needs and will provide for them, often in surprising ways. Ultimately, Jesus illustrates that His kingdom transcends human institutions, yet He also invites us to navigate those institutions with grace and humility. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

08-11-2025 Matthew 17 v2227

**Then the Subjects are Exempt**

In temples high, the voices rise,

“Should we pay the tax?” they ponder,

But Christ, with wisdom in His eyes,

Brings forth a truth that sets hearts asunder.

“Exempt,” He says, “the King’s own kin,

From earthly laws, we stand apart.

Yet not to cause their ire within,

For peace, we play a humble part.”

To Peter then, He gives command,

“Go to the sea, cast out your line,

The first fish caught will bear a hand,

In its mouth, a coin divine.”

With faith, Peter obeys the word,

An act of trust in what is shown,

For miracles in hearts unheard,

Often wait, just like seeds sown.

Two coins, not one, for them bestowed,

For you and me, this gift of grace,

In the depths where hope once flowed,

He teaches us to seek His face.

In life’s small needs and trials near,

Our Savior shows He’s always there,

With joy, we’ll take away our fear,

For in His love, we find our share. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 11, 2025 @ 04:04 AM EST

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