26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt.
27 “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” Matthew 17:24-27.
Here we are commanded to respect what is right in the sight of all men and do it if possible. The following Scripture of Romans 12:15-18 elaborates this attitude that we should have. Although we may have no duty to do what is requested of us, although we may be persecuted, we should respect and do what is right in the sight of all men, so long as we do not sin (which is inferred by the words “if possible”). “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
“14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:15-18.
Even though Jesus and Peter had no duty to pay this tribute tax, Jesus recognized that others thought it was right that they pay such a tribute tax. Therefore, Jesus did not want to offend them and did pay this tribute tax.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8.
But, we have a Helper to help us and guide us in doing what is right. Just as Jesus helped and guided Peter in paying this tribute tax by the miracle of the tax money in the fish, we have the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-16.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 