Scripture

“We don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Observation

Jesus again tells the disciples that He will be handed over to His enemies. He will die, but on the third day He will be raised to life.

They arrive in Capernaum where collectors of the Temple Tax come. Peter asks Jesus what to do. Jesus tells him to go fishing and he will find a silver coin in the mouth of the first fish he catches. This will be enough for the tax for both of them.

Application

As the Son of God, Jesus did not need to pay taxes, especially the tax for the upkeep of the Temple where people worshipped him.

Yet He does pay the tax, and on this occasion He does it with a miracle.

What is Jesus doing with this miracle? I think that He was having some fun, sending Peter off to wet a line and providing what was needed in a way that Peter would enjoy. If only all of our taxes and bills could be paid through our leisure activities!

Jesus is demonstrating here that whatever our needs are, He will supply them. We don’t have to be stressed because He sees the need before we do, and He knows how He will meet that need- even if it is through fishing.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the reminder that you have all my needs covered. All I have to do is rest in you. Please help me to remember that. Amen.