GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Second Prediction: Mt 17,22-23
Matthew continues to follow Mark as Jesus gives a second prediction of his fate in 17,22-23. Compare it with the first prediction, 16,21, and compare it also with Mark's second prediction (Mk 9,30-32). Note that it is remarkably vague except for one detail.
From this, note what is distinctive about this second prediction, especially the beginning and end.
Now have a look at my response.
The Temple Tax: Mt 17,24-27
Notice how this incident has been inserted between the prediction (17,22-23) and the discussion about the greatest (18,1-5). In Mark the question of the greatest follows the prediction immediately (Mk 9,33-37). We will have to bear in mind why Matthew has made this insertion.
Note the prominence of Peter in this part of the Gospel: 14,28-33; 15,15; 16,16-19.22-23; 18,21-22.
The opening of the scene is the meeting of those who collected the Temple tax with Peter, 17,24-25a. What sort of conversation is this? For the tax, see Exodus 30,13-15.
In 17,25b, Jesus speaks first, introduced as again in 18,12. Note what he calls Peter. "Kings of the earth" echoes Ps 2,2, note Ps 2,7.
Here we need to be careful about translation given the wide range found. The RNJB for example speaks of citizens and foreigners. However, there is a deeper level of meaning here which is relected by the literal sons and strangers or others. Who are the sons and strangers?
To Peter's correct response in verse 26, Jesus replies "Therefore the sons are free" (cf NRSV). Most translations have something like: "Well then, the citizens are exempt" (RNJB, see also NABRE). But this misses the point. See 1st Corinthians 8,7-9,1 for a similar situation. Who does Jesus means by "sons"? Might there be a deeper meaning to Jesus' reply, preparing for 18,1-5?
Then note how verse 27 prepares for 18,6-10. This is a response similar to Paul's.
Now have another look at my response.
We can continue with our overview of chapter 18.