By Paul Cheney
Matthew 17:27
“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.”
I love the natural world. My happy place would be a cabin in the woods, on a mountain, with a lake nearby, lots of wildlife, and no such thing as “the nearest neighbor.” I want to fully experience the miracle that nature is…and maybe catch a few fish. On more than one occasion, Jesus demonstrated His mastery over the created world – walking on water, nets full of fish, multiplying food, making wine, cursing a fig tree, and of course, raising the dead. But the scene in Matthew 17 is just bizarre.
When the officials asked Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax, Peter’s answer indicates that paying this annual tax must have been normal for Jesus and the disciples. But this was a teachable moment. When politicians do something sketchy, someone from the other side of the political aisle usually says, “No one is above the law.” Jesus actually was above the law, and yet, He paid this tax.
I have to believe it came with a wink and a smile, though. I wish Matthew would have recorded Peter’s reaction when he hooked the fish. He probably wasn’t questioning Jesus’ power anymore. But then he had to take the coin out of the fish’s mouth and take it to the temple tax guys. They had no idea about the lesson Jesus had just taught His disciples: God provides, sometimes in surprising ways and often more than is needed. But the biggest lessons of all were that Jesus didn’t have to pay, but He did anyway, AND He paid Peter’s debt, also, just like He paid all our debts.
Pray with me…
Jesus, You could have caused a scene. You could have made things uncomfortable for Your disciples, the temple officials, and the people standing around. But instead You used the opportunity to teach, respect local customs, have a little fun, and foreshadow the debt You were about to pay for us. And for all of that, we thank You. Amen.