Matthew 17:24-27
‘Now when they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 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 stater. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”’
What a cool situation? First we have the pre-pentecost Peter being asked a question from a tax collector. Peter didn’t have the Holy Spirit, so he answers defensively, in a manner many of us would have. Jesus probably would have paid anyway, but God wanted this to be in scripture, so it happened as it did.
Jesus takes this situation to give another lesson. The example is about who do kings collect taxes from, strangers or sons. The answer is strangers. How does this apply? This was a temple tax that was paid about three times a year during particular festivals. Jesus is saying that He is a Son, or messiah. The temple is for Him. They shouldn’t have asked Him to pay. It’s like some invitees to events are comped tickets.
If Jesus were to say this to the multitudes, the pharisees would have blown their tops. There are times when Jesus would go full speed ahead, not afraid to cause commotion. He did that to point out those who were hindering the kingdom from people. No such injustice was happening here.
We aren’t sure if they didn’t have money, the treasurer (Judas) wasn’t there or He wanted to bless them with a cool way to get the tax money. Jesus tells Peter to go fishing and the first first will have a coin in it’s mouth. Normally Jesus is reserved with His miracles, so I would say that Judas was gone. He normally works in the less dramatic or in the still small voice. Today was not a usual day.
We are to pray always, but are to seek to solve things in our efforts. If that fails, pray and do what else comes to mind. If we hit a roadblock, pray and see if one can assist, another person or God. We are involving Him in every step of the way. Sometimes He will move the mountain. He will use His power to do it in a way that He chooses. The norm is we do it as we pray about all things.
This was to be a day with a miracle. They are wonderful. The disciples must have been blown away with another miracle.
This has been a rough week for us. I’m a week post surgery and our dog was hospitalized. He was in the there 1.5 years ago. The bill was very expensive. We paid it, but it was all debt. About a week later our community sent us a check that paid for 90% of the bill. Amazing! I say that was a miracle. Not a showy one with money in a caught fish, but one that was from Him and which blessed us. This present vet bill was even more. The Lord isn’t obligated to do another miracle. We will pray for it, but will trust in His sustenance.
This was a great low key situation for the apostles and us. Thank You for this Lord. Thank You for blessing us with Your provision.