Matthew 17:24-27

Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, ... Jesus saith unto him, ... go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. The tax collectors were real crooks during Jesus’ time. I am sure that you remember the story of Zacchaeus. He was a crooked tax collector. But Peter had been taught by Jesus to pay what was owed, and they owed their taxes. But Peter had been following Jesus around for some time preaching and teaching and he hadn’t worked any. He was a fisherman and knew how to catch fish and sell them for a profit, but he hadn’t been fishing. So Jesus used Peter’s love of the sea to teach him a lesson. Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish. And when he caught that fish, there would be some money in the fish’s mouth. And Peter was to take that money and go pay their taxes. What a crazy idea! But by then, Peter must have seen so many miracles that he just said, “Here goes Jesus again!” and did exactly what Jesus said to do. Peter obeyed Jesus. And it happened just as Jesus said. Peter went fishing and caught some fish. And Peter looked in the mouth of the first one he pulled in. What do you think he saw? Yes, there was a coin! Just enough to pay their taxes. What an odd miracle! But not too crazy – because Jesus could do anything that He wanted to. And He still can! Jesus took care of Peter and Jesus can take care of you!