"But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours." “But so that we may not offend them,Jesus was not conceding that the temple collectors were right to treat Him as obligated. As the Son, He stood above the temple tax, which supported His Father’s house. Yet He chose not to create an unnecessary obstacle to faith or provoke controversy before the appointed time. His willing humility teaches believers to surrender personal rights when love, peace, and the testimony of God’s truth are better served. 1Co 10:32-33 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks…… go to the sea, Jesus directed Peter to the Sea of Galilee, where Peter had long worked as a fisherman. The command joined Peter’s ordinary vocation to an extraordinary act of divine provision. The Lord often works through familiar places and duties while showing that every part of creation remains under His authority. Jhn 21:3-5 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.”… cast a hook, Peter was to use a single hook rather than the nets commonly used in Galilean fishing. The simple instruction left no room to mistake the outcome for ordinary luck or skill. Jesus knew the precise means by which the need would be met and called Peter to obey without delay. Isa 19:8 Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook… and take the first fish you catch. The first fish would carry exactly what was needed, displaying Christ’s complete knowledge and rule over the natural world. The miracle recalls the abundant catches of fish granted to the disciples and confirms that no need is beyond the Lord’s provision. Peter’s obedience became the means by which he witnessed his Master’s power. Luk 5:6-7 When they had done so, they caught such a large number… When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. The stater was worth four drachmas, sufficient to pay the required half-shekel temple tax for two men. God supplied the exact amount, neither lacking nor excessive. The coin in the fish’s mouth revealed provision from an unexpected source, as the Lord had provided manna for Israel in the wilderness. Exo 30:13-16 Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay… Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.” Jesus paid for Himself and Peter, identifying graciously with His disciple even though He alone was exempt as the Son of God. His payment honored the temple’s established order without denying His unique authority over it. The event points beyond itself to the greater work in which Christ would bear the debt His people could never pay and secure their reconciliation with God. Rom 13:6-7 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- The central figure in this passage, who provides a miraculous solution to a practical problem. 2. Peter - One of Jesus' disciples, tasked with carrying out the instructions given by Jesus. 3. The Sea - Likely the Sea of Galilee, where Peter is instructed to fish. 4. The Temple Tax Collectors - Those who collect the two-drachma tax, which was a customary tax for the maintenance of the temple. 5. The Fish - The miraculous means by which the tax money is provided. Teaching Points Divine ProvisionGod provides for our needs in unexpected ways. Trust in His provision even when the solution is not immediately apparent. Avoiding Unnecessary Offense As Christians, we should strive to live peaceably with others and avoid causing unnecessary offense, especially in matters of cultural or societal norms. Obedience to Christ Peter's obedience to Jesus' unusual instruction demonstrates faith. We should be willing to follow Christ's guidance, even when it seems unconventional. Faith in Action This passage encourages us to act on our faith. Peter had to go to the sea and cast a hook, showing that faith often requires action. God's Sovereignty The incident underscores God's control over creation, as He orchestrates events to meet the needs of His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the context of the temple tax in Exodus 30:13-16 help us understand the significance of this event in Matthew 17:27?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of avoiding unnecessary offense in our daily interactions with others? 3. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's provision, and what are some modern examples of this principle? 4. What does Peter's obedience teach us about the nature of faith and action in our relationship with Christ? 5. How can we recognize and respond to God's sovereignty in our lives, as demonstrated in this miraculous provision? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:13-16This passage outlines the original command for the temple tax, providing context for why the tax was collected. Philippians 4:19 This verse speaks to God's provision, similar to how Jesus provides for the tax in a miraculous way. 1 Peter 2:13-17 Peter later writes about submitting to authorities, reflecting the principle of not causing offense, as seen in this passage. People Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter, SimonPlaces Capernaum, Galilee, High MountainTopics Bit, Bring, Cast, Catch, Cause, Coin, Fish, Four-drachma, Hast, Hook, However, Lake, Lest, Line, Money, Mouth, Notwithstanding, Offence, Offend, Offense, Open, Opened, Piece, Shekel, Sin, Stater, Stumble, Tax, Throw, Trouble, Wilt, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 17:27 1412 foreknowledge 2057 Christ, obedience Library January 18. "That Take and Give for Me and Thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). "That take and give for Me and thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). There is a beautiful touch of loving thoughtfulness in the account of Christ's miracle at Capernaum in providing the tribute money. After the reference to Peter's interview with the tax collector, it is added, "When he came into the house Jesus prevented him," that is, anticipated him, as the old Saxon word means, by arranging for the need before Peter needed to speak about it at all, and He sent Peter down to the sea to find the piece of gold … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The King in his Beauty The Secret of Power The Coin in the Fish's Mouth Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. , Where Jesus Showed Himself on the Mount to his Three Disciples. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus Taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his Brother," Etc. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast it Out"? Etc. , and on Prayer. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My Brother Sin against Me," Etc. A Desperate Case --How to Meet It Jesus Only The Transfiguration 1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me... Return to Galilee. The Passion Foretold. Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. The Transfiguration. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The On the Morrow of the Transfiguration William Ellery Channing. Thirteenth Lesson. Prayer and Fasting;' Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. Many Advance So Far, but Few Go Farther. A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in Lent --On the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 13-Jan Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine Links Matthew 17:27 NIVMatthew 17:27 NLT Matthew 17:27 ESV Matthew 17:27 NASB Matthew 17:27 KJV Matthew 17:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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