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Miracles of Jesus #28

 Miracle #28

The story of the coin in the fish's mouth is found in Matthew 17:24-27.

The Story:

The tax collectors' question: After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"

Peter's response: "Yes, he does," he replied

Jesus's initiative: When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked

Jesus's question: "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?"

Peter's answer: "From others," Peter answered

Jesus's principle: "Then the children are exempt," Jesus said to him

Jesus's concern: "But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line"

The instruction: "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"

Significance:

  • This occurred in Capernaum, Jesus's base of ministry in Galilee
  • The two-drachma tax was the annual temple tax required of every Jewish male over 20 (Exodus 30:11-16)
  • It was used for temple maintenance and operations
  • The tax collectors approached Peter, perhaps testing Jesus's loyalty to Jewish customs
  • Peter quickly answered "yes" without consulting Jesus—perhaps assuming or wanting to appear compliant
  • Jesus knew about the conversation supernaturally—he spoke first before Peter could report it
  • Jesus used a teaching moment about spiritual principles
  • His question about kings and taxes established a principle: rulers don't tax their own children
  • Since the temple was God's house and Jesus was God's Son, he was technically exempt
  • As the Son of God, Jesus had no obligation to pay tax to his Father's house
  • This was a subtle claim to deity—he was the Son of the King
  • However, Jesus chose to pay to avoid causing offense or stumbling others
  • This shows wisdom in choosing battles—not insisting on rights when it would hinder ministry
  • The method of payment was miraculous—a coin in a fish's mouth
  • The four-drachma coin (a stater) was exactly enough for two people—Jesus and Peter
  • This demonstrated Jesus's authority over creation—even fish served his purposes
  • It also showed God's provision in unexpected ways
  • The miracle was private—only Peter would witness it
  • This wasn't a public display but a practical provision
  • Jesus could have simply paid from their common purse, but chose this method
  • Perhaps to teach Peter (and us) about God's creative provision
  • Or to demonstrate his authority over nature even in mundane matters
  • Jesus's divine sonship—he was exempt as the Son of God
  • His wisdom in not causing unnecessary offense
  • The principle of voluntary submission for the sake of others
  • That Jesus had rights he chose not to exercise for ministry purposes
  • God's supernatural provision in practical matters
  • Jesus's authority over all creation, including fish and coins
  • The balance between spiritual freedom and social responsibility
  • That we may choose to comply with customs not because we must, but to avoid hindering the gospel
  • God's care for even mundane financial needs
  • Jesus's teaching method—using questions to reveal truth
  • That miracles can be private and practical, not just public and spectacular

This story powerfully illustrates:

The coin in the fish's mouth is a unique miracle that combines teaching about spiritual authority with practical provision. It reveals Jesus's identity as God's Son while demonstrating his wisdom in choosing when to assert rights and when to submit for the sake of others. This story encourages believers to trust God's creative provision while also being wise about not causing unnecessary offense that might hinder ministry.

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