The Most Unusual Tax Payment Ever!
I’m sure you will agree that paying taxes isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But imagine if you could pay your next bill by going fishing! That’s exactly what happens in one of Jesus’ most unusual miracles – a story found only in Matthew’s Gospel.
It all starts when Jesus and his disciples arrive in Capernaum. Peter is approached by collectors of the traditional temple tax and ask Peter if Jesus pays tax like everyone else.
“Yes, he does”, Peter replies.
Now, this temple tax wasn’t just a random fee, it was a required offering for the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem and it was paid annually by every Jewish man.
The Bible tells us that when Peter gets back to the house where they are staying, Jesus ask him, “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes, from their own children or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answers.
Jesus then says, “Then the children are exempt”. Here Jesus is saying that because he is the Sone of God and the true King, He is technically exempt from the temple fees at his own Father’s house. Not only is He exempt, but so is Peter.
He then says, “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
The Verse
“Go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for My tax and yours.”
Matthew 17:27 (NKJV)
Breaking It Down: Strange Instructions, Deeper Meaning
Let’s walk through this miracle one piece at a time.
“So that we may not cause offense…”
Near the beginning of the story, Jesus makes the point that He doesn’t technically owe temple tax (He is the Son of God after all!). Instead he chooses humility and conflict by showing His love through peace.
“Go to the lake and throw out your line…”
Now this is where it gets unusual. Jesus tells Peter to go fishing to find money. Not to ask someone. Not to look in the coin pouch. But to throw out a line, a single line, mind you. Not a net. And wait for the first fish.
“Take the first fish you catch…”
That’s faith right there – just one fish, the first one. One chance to get it right. Jesus didn’t say, “Try a few” or “Keep looking.” He said the first fish. God is providing specifically and precisely for the need.
“Open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Give it to them for my tax and yours.“
Imagine Peter’s face when he actually finds the money inside the fish! And it wasn’t a random amount either – four drachmas was the exact amount he needed to cover the tax for two people.
Faith in Action: When God Asks You to Fish
This story might not make logical sense but that’s kind of the point. God sometimes (usually?) doesn’t work the way we think he should or what we think is “normal”. Sometims He asks us to simply throw out a line and believe there’s a coin waiting in the mouth of a fish!
Here’s what this miracle teaches us:
Journaling Prompts and Reflection questions
Affirmation
God provides for me in ways I can’t always predict, but I trust Him to meet every need.
Prayer for the Day
Lord,
Sometimes the way You move confuses me. You ask me to do things that feel odd or outside my comfort zone. But I want to trust You, even when the step You’re asking me to take doesn’t make sense. Help me to obey like Peter did. Help me to find peace over pride. And help me believe that You’re able to provide in the most unexpected ways.
Thank You for caring about the small stuff in my life. Thank You that Your provision is always enough, always on time, and often wrapped in surprise.
Today, I choose to throw out my line in faith. I believe You’ll meet me there.
Amen.
