Exodus 30:11-16; Matthew 17:24-27 – The Ransom Price
In Matthew 17 there is a strange episode where the collectors of the temple tax ask Peter if Jesus pays this tax. Jesus tells Peter that sons of kings don’t have to pay tax but that Jesus will pay the tax for Peter and for himself.
To understand this passage we need to go back to the instructions for building the tabernacle. God tells Moses that when he takes a census he is also to take a ransom price of half a shekel from each man numbered and recorded. This money is then to be used in the construction and the maintenance of the tabernacle. God’s dwelling place will, quite literally, stand on this ransom.
When God numbers or orders anything to be numbered, he is saying, “these are mine.” God has the right and authority to number that which belongs to him. But to be numbered among God’s people means that a price has to be paid – half a shekel/2 drachmas.
Everyone needed the same price to be paid for them showing that all were equal before God. In paying the price no plague would come among them showing that all deserved God’s wrath but the ransom would set them free.
This is a picture of what Jesus has done for us. 1 Peter 1:18-19, “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Jesus tells Peter that he will pay the ransom that he does not have to pay. The Son of God will pay the ransom for his people.
Notice also that the money from the census tax was to be used in the building of the tabernacle (and later the upkeep of the temple). Every time they entered the tabernacle the silver was a reminder to the people that the ransom price had been paid.
In the throne room of heaven is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who paid the price. He is before the Father as a constant witness to what has been accomplished for our salvation.
And because the price has been paid, we are numbered among God’s people. We are included. Our names are written in his book.
Questions
- What does it mean that Jesus has paid the ransom price?
- What other remembrance do we have of the price being paid?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that Christ has paid the ransom price.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.