“Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.’” – Matthew 17:26-27
Want to know something crazy? God comes into human history, and rather than worshipping Him, the government is taxing Him. That is the ironic backdrop of this miracle from Jesus Christ.
Rabbis (religious teachers) were exempt from paying taxes, but since Jesus was not an officially certified rabbi, He was technically required to pay taxes, which He humbly does. In the government, the king’s sons did not have to pay taxes. So, Jesus asks why He, as God’s Son, should have to pay taxes. To not create any issues with the government that would hinder His ministry, Jesus graciously takes the high road and agrees to pay the tax.
However, He sees that He’s unable to pay His taxes, perhaps because of the ongoing stealing from the ministry budget by Judas Iscariot. So, Jesus devises an incredibly creative solution. He sends Peter the fisherman to go fishing yet again and promises that a shekel coin would be in the mouth of a fish, and that would pay the taxes. This is precisely what happens, exactly as Jesus prophesied.
This provision miracle is so curious that some wonder if it is in fact even true. What we learn from Jesus’ miracles is that He is unpredictable, free, and likes to keep us from trying to conform Him into some controllable routine. On one occasion, for example, He spits on the ground and rubs mud in a man’s eye before healing his blindness, but this does not become a regular part of His ongoing ministry. On this occasion, He sends Peter fishing to get a coin. There are countless easier ways to get some cash to pay one’s taxes; however, Peter humbly accepts the process that Jesus has chosen, and we would be wise to do the same. Our God is free, and we need to remain flexible and filled with faith.
Is there any way in which you are trying to conform Jesus to your own predictable routine for how things should work?
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Visit https://realfaith.com/faq/ for privacy and terms info.