The image of a “coin in the fish’s mouth” has a couple of significant meanings, both in a biblical context and potentially in a more general symbolic sense:
- This is the most prominent reference to a coin in a fish’s mouth. In the Gospel of Matthew, it’s described as a miracle where Jesus instructs Peter to fish, telling him he’ll find a coin in the first fish’s mouth to pay the temple tax for both of them.
- This miracle highlights several points:
– Divine Provision: It demonstrates God’s ability to provide for needs, even in unusual ways.
– Jesus’ Authority and Divine Sonship: Jesus’ omniscience, knowing the coin’s location, and the fish’s obedience to his instruction reinforce his authority as the Son of God.
– Avoiding Offense: Jesus instructs Peter to pay the tax to avoid causing unnecessary offense or becoming a stumbling block, even though as the Son of God, he was exempt from the temple tax.
- Beyond the specific biblical event, the idea of a coin in a fish’s mouth can be seen as a symbol of unexpected blessings or provision , or a reminder that help can come from surprising sources.
- It could also be interpreted as a symbol of being resourceful and using the skills and resources available to you, even if they seem unconventional.
In essence, whether viewed from a religious or a more general perspective, the “coin in the fish’s mouth” represents a moment of surprising and divinely-guided provision, demonstrating authority and providing a valuable lesson in navigating practical situations with grace.
What is the meaning of the coin in the fish’s mouth?
This miracle proved the Lord’s omniscience, for He knew of this fish in the sea with a coin in his mouth. Moreover, it proved the Lord’s omnipotence, for He made it come to Peter’s hook. Christ speaks to Peter with such calm confidence. Surely, He is a free Son of the Lord of Lords and the Creator Himself.
Why did Jesus put the coin in the fish mouth scripture?
I can help with that. The coin in the fish’s mouth anticipates the climactic supply of blessing through the death and resurrection of Christ. A dramatic reiteration of this principle was appropriate in the context of the temple tax. The temple was the temple of God. As such, it foreshadowed Christ, whose body is the temple (John 2:21).
What does Matthew 17-27 mean?
Matt 17:24-27 (NIV)
Here the Lord Jesus gives His guy Pete (as well as all of us) a lesson on avoiding unnecessary offense. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s writing in Romans Twelve: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.