By Andrew Williams
Matthew 17:24-27 (NLT): “On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?’ ‘Yes, he does,’ Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, ‘What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?’ ‘They tax the people they have conquered,’ Peter replied. ‘Well, then,’ Jesus said, ‘the citizens are free! However, 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.’”
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, Peter is approached by Temple tax collectors who question whether Jesus pays the tax. Peter, eager to defend Jesus, answers affirmatively. Before Peter even shares this with Jesus, the Lord already knows the situation. Jesus uses the moment to teach Peter a lesson about His divine authority and identity. As the Son of God, Jesus is exempt from such earthly obligations; yet, He chooses to fulfill the tax requirement to avoid offense and maintain peace. In His sovereign power, Jesus provides for the tax in an extraordinary way—through a coin in the mouth of a fish.
This account highlights two key themes: trust in God’s provision and obedience even when we may not fully understand. Jesus redirects Peter’s focus from human concerns to God’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the King of Heaven provides for His people in unexpected ways.
Peter’s journey with Jesus is filled with moments of learning and growth. Here, we see Peter’s impulsiveness in answering the tax collectors without fully understanding Jesus’ position. Yet, Jesus gently redirects Peter’s focus to a kingdom perspective. He teaches Peter to trust in God’s provision and follow instructions with faith, even when those instructions seem unusual or improbable—like finding money in a fish’s mouth.
As disciples, we are often like Peter—quick to act or speak without seeking God’s guidance. But this passage reminds us that Jesus is patient with us, teaching us to redirect our focus to Him. When we trust Him, He provides and leads us in ways we could never imagine.
Today, take time to consider areas in your life where you have been trying to take control or relying on your own understanding. Are you, like Peter, rushing to defend or act without pausing to seek God’s wisdom? Redirect your focus to Jesus, trusting in His provision and following His instructions, even when they challenge your logic or comfort zone.
This week, practice obedience by intentionally seeking God’s guidance in one decision you are facing. Spend time in prayer, asking Him to show you the next step. Then, trust Him to provide exactly what you need, just as He provided for Peter and Himself through the fish. Remember, it’s not about understanding every detail—it’s about trusting the One who knows all things.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your patience and for teaching me through the example of Peter. Like him, I often rush ahead without seeking Your wisdom. Today, I choose to redirect my focus to You. Help me to trust in Your provision and obey Your instructions, even when they don’t make sense to me. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and guide me to live as a disciple who reflects Your love and grace. I commit to seeking You first in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
