Jesus chose to offend and not offend!
JUDAEA, First Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22mm, 13.19 g, 12h). Dated year 3 (68/9 CE). "Shekel of Israel," Omer cup with pearled rim; date above / "Jerusalem the Holy," sprig of three pomegranates. Meshorer 202; Hendin 662. EF, attractive dark gray toning. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 17:24–27 “Go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel” ( v. 27 ). Continuing His march southward to Jerusalem , Jesus returns to Capernaum , the home base for much of His ministry ( Matt. 17:24 ; see 4:12–17 ). Here our Lord will give the fourth of His five major discourses (in chapter 18 ). Before Jesus does this, however, He discusses the temple tax . Today’s passage likely takes place in Peter’s house, which is in Capernaum ( 8:5–17 ). We assume this to be the case because “the collectors of the half-shekel tax” approach the apostle outside the home to inquire of Jesus ( 17:24 ). First-ce