These verses begin Jesus’
mini-sermon on what would soon be known as the church. In short, this whole
section (continuing to the end of chapter 18) teaches that, if we want to have
good congregations, we will both limit ourselves and give ourselves to others.
In 17:22-27, Jesus talks to
Peter about paying the temple tax. Because a king does not collect taxes from
his children, Jesus first indicates that people are free from the temple tax.
Although this is left unsaid, we know that Jesus replaces the temple and pays
“the temple tax” with his own blood. So, in one sense, Jesus frees disciples
from the law and the temple requirements. However, Jesus goes on to say
that, at times, this freedom freely limits itself “so as not to offend.”
Disciples, then, have a double sense of themselves: (1) In Jesus, they
are free children of God; and (2) Like Jesus, they freely limit their freedom
as servants of others.