The account of Jesus instructing Peter to find a coin in a fish’s mouth to pay the temple tax is a significant event recorded in Matthew 17:24-27.
Here’s a breakdown of the story and its meaning:
- Tax collectors approach Peter, questioning whether Jesus pays the two-drachma temple tax. This was a religious tax supporting the Jerusalem Temple, according to Bible Hub.
- Jesus, knowing Peter’s conversation, preempts him and discusses the matter of kings taxing their children or others. He implies that as the Son of God, he is exempt from this tax.
- To avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter to go to the Sea of Galilee, cast a line, and catch the first fish.
- In the fish’s mouth, Peter will find a four-drachma coin (a shekel) sufficient to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter.
- Divine Authority and Provision: The miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and knowledge, extending even to the fish in the sea. It highlights that God can provide for his people in unexpected ways.
- Avoiding Offense: Jesus prioritizes not causing offense, even when exempt from a particular requirement. This emphasizes humility and graciously navigating social and religious customs without compromising core beliefs.
- Relationship with God: Some interpretations suggest that by paying the tax for Peter, Jesus highlights the shared sonship believers have with him through his redemptive work. This miracle foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, paying the price for the redemption of humanity.
- Trust in God’s provision in challenging circumstances, [says the Christian Study Library].
- Practice humility and avoid causing unnecessary offense to others, especially when navigating differing beliefs or customs.
- Recognize that Jesus’ teachings and actions often hold deeper spiritual meaning beyond the surface narrative.
In essence, the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth is a concise yet profound miracle demonstrating Jesus’ divine authority, his concern for avoiding offense, and his ultimate mission of redemption and provision for his followers.
Why did Jesus pull coins from the mouth of a fish?
The coin was got from the fish’s mouth to show that he has divine power.In short this incident was to convey and confirm two crucial points beautifully : (1)Jesus is the son of God to be exempted from the temple tax(2) As proof for his divine power Jesus show a miracle .
What is the meaning of Matthew 17 verse 27?
Great question! Context Summary
Jesus explains to Peter why He is exempt from the tax, but He says that He will pay it to avoid giving offense over the issue. He commands Peter to pay the tax for them both: by catching a fish in which he will find a coin sufficient for the task.
Who was in the mouth of fish in the Bible?
According to the Midrash, while Jonah was inside the fish, the fish told him that its life was nearly over because soon the Leviathan would eat them both. Jonah promised the fish that he would save them.