LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

For a few days we are going to study one of the miracles of Jesus. Only Matthew records this specific event. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

The miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth!

But, wait a minute.

Is it acceptable nowadays to believe in such things, miracles? Or did Jesus merely trick the people of Israel into accepting such fantastic claims?

I want to go on record here today saying that I believe the miracles of the Bible. I accept them just as they are written in the Word of God.

And as far as Jesus is concerned, He is the Son of God.

He claimed to be. And He cannot lie!

So as we approach these four verses in Matthew chapter seventeen, we come as sincere students of Scripture, believers in the divinity and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

But now a second question, can this little happening have much influence on lives today? This little coin-in-a-fish's-mouth occurrence?

That remains to be seen!

But since the Bible is completely and divinely inspired, and "profitable" to all us followers of Christ ... I think the answer is "Yes."

This miracle will be quite amazing and uplifting as we study it these days.

"Lord, open our eyes that we may see wondrous things out of this little story, this exhibition of Jesus' great Power. In the Name of our Lord we pray, Amen."

                                                                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2, CAPERNAUM:

The place a miracle occurs is important. And our Text this week, Matthew 17:24-27, is no exception. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?"

The City of Capernaum was significant in the Life of Jesus. It was so-to-speak His "headquarters" for quite a while. That was after He was expelled from Nazareth. And Capernaum also was located by the seaside, the Galilee. It actually means, grammatically so, the city of "Nahum." 

At the heart of the noun Nahum however is the Hebrew word meaning "comfort."

That's my point today.

We are about to study a little miracle, a fish with a coin in his mouth, and how the dear Lord used the whole event to edify and uplift and enlighten Simon Peter His Disciple.

Our Lord could have used this situation to criticize Peter. Peter who once again spoke prematurely.

But Jesus refused to do so.

Instead He encourages His follower!

The Lord loves encouragement so much that he has named Himself that, the very Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is called The Comforter!

A miracle ... in Capernaum!

The first noun in the paragraph, again that's Matthew 17:24-27, and we are already pointed toward the "key" to interpreting the whole Miracle!

And that "clue," that "noun," that "key" is?

Capernaum!

Encouragement!

                                               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3, TRIBUTE MONEY:

The reason this miracle occurred, the one in Matthew 17:24-27, centers on something called "tribute money." Let me show you the context. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."

The noun for this term, this tribute cash, is "didrachmon." It means "a silver coin." To the Romans a "drachma" was the equivalent of a "denarius." It was roughly the same as an average man's wages for a single day of labor.

But why did they ask Peter about these funds?

It is believed by most Bible Teachers that the money being sought is not secular government taxes! It is rather some kind of "Temple Tax." Several possibilities exist for the exact historical background for such an offering, such a requirement of every Jewish male.

But my point today is the same, regardless the nature of the Temple offering implied here.

Support of the Lord's work, of the Temple and its ministries ... that's the reason this money is collected.

That's why Peter was approached.

And Jesus.

And they miraculously, as we've just read in the Text, paid the amount the authorities thought they owed.

Here it is.

Jesus gave financial support to the Temple!

Peter did too, although because of Jesus' Power.

Jesus supported the needs of the Jewish faith!

Not only that too, but the Disciples had a fund of their own. Judas was the treasurer in fact. And Jesus trained them to give to the poor through such monies.

Jesus also taught generosity for the cause of our Heavenly Father through his remarks when the widow lady gave her two mites to the temple treasury one day, Mark 12:41-44.

What an example!

Tithing to our Church!

Giving to help a missionary.

Supporting that needy family whose Dad has lost his job.

Jesus did.

So should we!

                                                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, PETER:

Clearly the person "they" approached was Peter!

Why not Matthew?

Or Thomas?

Apparently Peter was the "lead" Disciple among the Lord's Twelve. He was the man who could "answer" for Jesus.

We say this for several reasons. In reading the New Testament it's most often Simon Peter who takes the prominent role among Jesus' followers. It was Peter's Mother-In-Law who was healed by the Lord in Matthew 8, for example. By the way, that event occurred at Capernaum too, just like this one.

It was Peter who answered Jesus that day in Caeserea Philippi, where he so accurately identified the Person of Jesus Christ, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"

And every time that the Disciples are listed in the New Testament, Peter is named first! That alone is quite indicative of his leadership role.

We even believe that one of the Gospels, Mark to be specific, is written from Peter's perspective. John Mark was a little protégé of Peter, one of his "sons" in the faith.

Even when Peter is paired with John, that's John the Disciple whom Jesus loved so dearly, Peter is the spokesman. And John most often remains silent. See Acts 4, that miracle at the gate of the Temple, for an example.

Yes!

Peter, the foremost disciple, was certainly the one who was asked about the tribute money.

My point today?

Any group, from a Church gathering to a family reunion to a school classroom, any congregation of people, needs a leader!

And God has both created and ordained that such be the case.

Churches have Pastors!

And Deacons!

Families have patriarchs!

And matriarchs!

Classrooms have teachers!

And monitors!

Teams have coaches!

And assistants!

Leadership, thank God for it.

Otherwise most of life would be drowning in chaos and confusion.

Peter answered the question about the tribute money.

Maybe with less than perfect wisdom, but Jesus never rebuked him for his participation, for his input.

Sometime today, thank God for the leaders and spokesmen and teachers and preachers he has placed in your life.

Who answered your questions.

Gave you direction.

Prayed on your behalf.

Or maybe reared you from infancy.

Peter was never a Pope. But he was a godly and prominent member of the band of followers we call the Disciples.

Paul summarizes today's lesson well. In Second Timothy 2:2 he says: "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

And Peter was faithful.

Are we?

                                                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS:

They wanted to know about the Master!

Some of the religious Jewish officials did, asking Simon Peter whether or not Jesus had paid His "Temple Taxes."

"Peter, doth not your Master pay tribute?" This question is found in Matthew 17:24, the last clause of the verse.

The name Peter is important here, being spelled in Greek "petros," and meaning "a stone." Once it's even translated that way in the King James Bible.

Peter would some day become one of the stabilizing influences among the Disciples, especially after the Holy Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost. Peter, the stone!

What question was posed to Peter, about Jesus?

"Doth not your Master pay tribute?"

The noun Master is "didaskalos," basically just meaning "teacher." Merely one who knows enough to share his knowledge!

Well, I can't help saying this. Jesus is more than a Master! He is God! The very Son of God! He is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead!

A great teacher too, agreed, but Deity as well.

My point today is this. People who knew Peter was close to Jesus ... those folks felt they could question the man about his Lord!

"Peter, doth not your Master pay tribute?"

This fact is binding yet today!

If folks know that we love the Lord, they just might question us about Him!

Inquiries about His Character.

About His history.

About His future plans.

About His Death on the Cross.

About His wonderful Resurrection.

About His Loveliness!

Truthfully, it was Peter who wrote these words about Jesus. About our relationship with Christ. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." First Peter 3:15

When they ask ... about Jesus ... and they still do!

We are to be ready to answer them!

That leads me to conclude with these words. We had best always be studying about the Lord. Learning more and more of Him as we live day by day!

After all, we have a whole Book, the Bible, that talks about Him!

Let's keep learning!

So we can keep talking ... about Jesus Christ our Saviour.

                                                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, YES:

Peter was asked this short question about the tribute money, "Doth not your master pay tribute?" And he answered promptly, "Yes."

Today we study his reply.

First, notice that Peter did not hesitate. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes."

The man said "yes" immediately! This reminds me of something James said later. "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay."James 5:12, instructing us not to "beat around the bush" in responding to people, but be direct as well as truthful.

Second, Peter gave the answer that he felt would best reflect upon Jesus. "Yes, our Lord fulfils all His obligations," the Apostle no doubt thought. So much of what we Christians say is filled with negativity and doubt and gossip. Let us always exalt Jesus, never even hinting at anything distasteful about Him.

But then third, on a less cheerful note, Peter did speak a bit prematurely. He had not yet consulted Jesus about this "tribute" matter. He may have been guilty of violating Proverbs 18:13, which says: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."

Fourth, Peter practiced his own preaching. Beautifully so he did. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." First Peter 3:15, and Peter's Matthew 17:25 answer was clear and to-the-point. And correct, as the miracle later attests.

Jesus, the One about Whom Peter said, "Yes!"

What a Saviour our Lord is!

And Jesus is still proclaiming "Yes!"

"Yes," to every sinner who pleads for salvation.

"Yes," to multitudes of prayers each day.

"Yes," to every claimed promise a wearied saint cites throughout his or her whole lifetime!

And "Yes" to countless other situations that arise as He sits at the Father's Right Hand, interceding for you and me!

Thank God for a Lord Who is active in our lives. A God Who says "Yes" time and time again.

Do you need Him today?

                                                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7, PREVENTION:

"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

 Perhaps today's Lesson will seem trivial to some. It is based on a verb, a Greek verb spelled "prophthano." It is translated "prevented" in our Text. Jesus used the word this single time, best we can tell.

Peter has answered a question from the temple police, religious officials in Israel. They asked something concerning money, support for the House of God, did Jesus participate, did He contribute?

Peter of course says, "Yes," in reverence of Jesus.

But Jesus was not present when Peter conversed with these men. Our Lord was "in the house" there in Capernaum. Peter apparently was outside or had perhaps not even yet arrived on the premises.

Now to this important word I mentioned, "And when Peter was come into the house, Jesus prevented him ...."

"Prophthano" means "to come before." Or often "to anticipate." Jesus had already "arrived" at the truthful answer to Peter's question, the full and perfect answer, and our Lord was not even a listener to the original conversation!

Jesus knows everything!

At least John assures us of that fact, again and again! In John 16:30 the Disciples say to Christ, "Thou knowest all things." To which I say "Amen!"

Jesus knew the answer to the question they posed to Peter, before Peter even knew the question they were going to ask!

And the "intervention" Jesus is about to administer to Peter is so very helpful. He is going to instruct Peter, kindly and wisely, in a better "perspective" of the whole "Temple Tax" issue!

So here we have Jesus presented as the Perfect Teacher, the Divine Instructor!

I am so glad that the Lord teaches us all!

Most often through the Holy Spirit Himself, but He's the Godhead anyway.

Then Jesus enlightens us through our preachers and teachers as well.

Then fundamentally, through the Word, through Scripture!

He knows the answer before I even know the problem!

And like Peter, when I so often misspeak, Jesus gently corrects and further instructs me in the ways of God!

What a wonderful Saviour we have!

Has He "prevented" any of you lately?

                                               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, SIMON:

A person's name is so very important, especially to himself or herself. Notice the name Jesus used here for His foremost Disciple. He called him "Simon." This is educational, spiritually so, to us all. The name Jesus just used!

In Scripture an individual's name is a hint to his or her character. The Old Testament word for "name" is the noun "shem," meaning at times "fame, glory," or even "reputation!"

God occasionally changed people's names to better emphasize His plan for their lives!

The point I'm trying to make is this, our Disciple here has two names. He is "Simon" and he is "Peter." Now "Simon" is his Hebrew name, being derived from "Simeon," one of Jacob's sons, his second child. It means "hearing" or "hearing with one's ear." And again, it is this son's first recorded name, his earthly name, his original name! "Simon bar Jona," that's who Jesus called him in Matthew 16:17.

But one day Jesus shifted from calling this man "Simon" and began calling him "Peter," nearly exclusively. And this is for sure, "Peter" is his name after Pentecost! After the Holy Spirit descended and filled and saturated Peter for the work unto which he was called!

Here's what I am trying to say.

Jesus at times anyway began to use the "Simon" name when this Disciple was walking "in the flesh," in a "natural" manner. And God used "Peter" when our fisherman friend was "in the Spirit," was "spiritually minded!"

This thought is not original with me. I first read it years ago at the feet of an old Preacher, godly Dr. M. R. DeHaan.

You can generally tell if Peter is doing "good" or "bad" by the name Jesus uses for him! Is it "Peter" or is it "Simon" today?

Now let's look at our Text!

"Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?" Matthew 17:25

Jesus calls him "Simon!"

Peter had just failed a test, or nearly failed one!

His answer to that question about the Temple Tax was not exactly right. He missed the mark there!

"Yes," Jesus will pay the Tax.

But "No," He was not obligated to do so!

He is God!

He is the King's Son!

I would even argue that He is The King, the very King of Kings!

So our Lord is going to correct Peter, gently.

And the first hint of this is the name used, "Simon!"

He's in the flesh right now!

"What thinkest thou, Simon?"

So many times I need to be reminded that each of us also, each Christian reading here right now, has "two sides" to his or her life. A fleshly nature and a spiritual nature.

And sometimes my "Simon" side dominates! At other times, hopefully the majority, my "Peter" side, that lovely Spiritual Influence, controls my actions and attitudes and thoughts.

Under which nature am I living this very second?

And you?

Paul encourages us to "walk in the Spirit!"

To live in the new nature Christ gave us when He saved our lost souls!

May God grant it.

This wondrous Disciple Scripturally is always "Simon."

Or "Peter."

Or "Simon Peter."

A spiritual report card every time his name is written!

Oh, to be filled with the Spirit of God!

                                               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9, THE PARABLE:

"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

 Jesus was a Master at teaching through word pictures. Metaphors and similes and illustrations abound in His recorded Messages.

These of course include our Lord's "parables." And though that word is not specifically used here in our Text, a short parable is inserted by Jesus. That's for sure.

Here it is, Jesus to Peter. "What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers?" Taken from Matthew 17:25.

Peter had just told a group of Jewish men from the Temple that Jesus paid taxes, funds to help support the whole religious machine of Israel. "They that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes."

But Jesus wants Peter to understand that the Temple is really God's House! The House of Jesus' Father, literally! Jesus is no mere "taxpayer" in the Kingdom of God! Plus this fact, Jesus had no money! Not even the relatively small amount these assessors were demanding.

So Jesus asks this little hypothetical question to Peter. "Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers?"

"Peter, do King's sons have to pay tribute to their Father?"

"No, of course not."

"Then I am exempt from paying taxes at my Own Father's House, aren't I?"

"It's the common citizens and foreign immigrants who pay the taxes!"

Peter had apparently failed to hold a properly high view of Jesus!

To discern His Deity, Christ's Lordship and Godhead!

So Jesus advanced this little illustration, this little "earthly story with a heavenly meaning," this little parable.

Let us all learn from this incident.

Always see Jesus for Who He is, for All He is!

Not just man.

Not just a servant.

Not just a preacher.

But the darling Son of God!

The Only Begotten of the Father!

Very God of Very God!

                                                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, THE CHILDREN:

"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

 Jesus is teaching Peter.

Concerning paying a "tax" to the local Jerusalem Temple, Jesus is claiming exemption! Kings only collect tariffs and fees from non-family members!

Jesus' exact words, "Then are the children free."

Our Lord should not be required to help support the Temple. And had men truly known "Who He Was," the request would not have even been made!

As I thought about the Lord's statement, similar truths came to mind.

Another thing the King, our great God in Heaven, exacts from all mankind is "payment" for their sins!

Sin does have wages, Romans 6:23 states, "death!"

And everyone must pay!

That's eternal death in Hell Paul says!

But one class is exempt!

"Free," our Lord just confessed.

Who are they?

"The children," family members of the King's!

That means that all who are saved, all who are born-again, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, are no longer held accountable for their sins!

No debt to pay!

Why?

Because of Family!

Because of Jesus!

Because we have been adopted!

Back to the dialog: "What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Matthew 17:25-26

There are a lot of other areas where we are "free" too!

Because of Relationship!

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." First John 3:1

The "children" of God!

Both sons and daughters.

Exempt from God's Wrath!

Included in all His Blessings!

Are you in the family?

How does one get "in?"

"As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12

That's how!

It's the Gift of God!

By faith in Jesus!

                                                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, LEST WE SHOULD OFFEND THEM:

What Jesus said was very revealing. I've marked His words in blue print. "Let's pay the Temple Tax, Simon, lest we offend the Jews who have approached us."

Jesus did not owe such a tax!

He is the Son of the God, the God Who owned that Temple!

He is exempt.

But lest someone get their feelings hurt or be made to stumble at the Lord's behaviour here ... the money would be paid!

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, worrying about "offending" a nameless Jew, or group of Jews.

That verb, "should offend," is a translation of the Greek word "skandalizo." It actually means "to trap" a person. To do them harm. But it has a secondary meaning as well, "to make someone trip" as they walk or run up the road.

Jesus did not want to harm anyone, including these Temple officials!

He also said this one day, about little boys and girls apparently. "And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea." Mark 9:42, where "shall offend" is "skandalizo" again.

My point today is this.

Jesus was sensitive.

And kind.

Always thinking of others.

Never needlessly abrasive.

This is amazing!

Paul was that way too, even to the issue of what he ate! "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." First Corinthians 8:13, same verb yet again!

I think I can say this now. Every Christian, Spirit-filled anyway, must be of this mindset!

Kind!

Thoughtful!

Loving!

Non-offensive as much as possible!

One more verse: "For the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is love ... gentleness ... and goodness." Galatians 5:22-23

Just like Jesus!

How kind are we?

                                                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12, THE MIRACLE ITSELF:

"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

It's a miracle!

One of the thirty-six or so recorded miracles our Lord performed. And John tells us there are lots more. "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25

The miracle of "the coin in the fish's mouth!"

Peter owed some money. An annual "tax" that every Jewish man paid to help with Temple upkeep, a religious duty.

Peter said Jesus owed it too, or at least insinuated such. And pledged that Jesus would pay His share as well!

But Jesus, Son of the God Who owned the Temple, was exempt from such tariffs! Just like a King's Son does not have to pay taxes, not in a monarchy!

But to keep from offending anyone, and perhaps to keep Peter from looking so badly, Jesus offers to pay the cash.

Just one problem.

Our Lord has no money!

Not even the small amount needed for this "bill."

So, He devised a plan!

Simon, Peter's natural name: "Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money."

A "miracle" is defined as "an event that appears unexplainable by the laws of nature." It is derived from a Latin verb, "mirari," simply meaning "to wonder at" something! "Mirus" means "wonderful" as well.

"Peter, go fishing. And the first fish you catch will have some money in its mouth, a single coin. Just enough to pay the Temple Tax for both the Disciple and his Lord! Remove the coin and go take care of this matter."

That's Jesus, His Mighty Power and Awesome Love!

The noun "sea" is "thalassa" in Greek, from "als," their word for "salt." This is the Sea of Galilee, which is really a large lake rather than an ocean!

The verb "cast" is "ballo," which just means "to throw."

And the noun "hook" is interesting, derived from "agkale," the Greek word for a "bend," like in one's elbow.

"Take up" is "airo," literally "to lift" the fish out of the water. Probably it made a good meal for someone later that day too!

And "cometh up" is beautiful, being a relative of "anabaino," meaning "to spring up, to climb up," like the fish is perhaps eager to obey the Lord's Will, to be of service to its Creator!

The little fellow is holding its cargo tightly too! It's mouth must be "pried open," Peter! Of course the Disciple knows how to do this, with his background and business experience.

And "find" is "eurisko," a verb meaning that something has "met up" with you! A matter has "befallen" you! Yes, looking is implied, but without a great deal of effort! There it is, the coin!

Just like Jesus said!

The expression "piece of money" is "stater" as Matthew would have written it. His background too? A tax-collector, a money man! The noun is taken from the "kauchesis" family of words, all having the idea of "boasting, rejoicing or glorying" in something! Money meant a great deal to these folks apparently!

There's a quick survey of the miracle. "Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money."

The Lord providing cash for a certain need.

Oh, by the way. He can provide your needs today as well, dear child of God. Paul promised so, to those who love Him dearly. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Trust Him today!

                                                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

This too. Anytime we yet today go "fishing," that is "soul-winning," fish might be caught. This is the whole idea, isn't it, people being saved? And the dear Lord through the ages has used many of these "fish" to help meet financial needs in His vast and wonderful kingdom, in His service! Fish are still coming up, with coins in their possession!

CONCLUSION:

HERE IS THE TEXT WE'VE BEEN STUDYING ...

"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Matthew 17:24-27

The Lord is so kind, so thoughtful.

Jesus is.

In our Text He has just miraculously paid Peter's Temple Tax bill! And since Peter promised, without permission, that Jesus would pay the money as well, our Lord does so!

"Peter, the coin, that little piece of money, take and give unto them for me and thee."

The phrase I want to emphasize today is this: "for Me and thee."

Of course Peter, since his mouth opened so prematurely and obligated Jesus, Peter himself must catch the fish! And open its mouth to extract the money! And travel to the Temple! And pay the bill!

Responsibility is hereby implied.

Yet this same Jesus, God in human flesh, still lets us help do His Work too! What a blessing, what an honor, that is!

Go pay the tax "for Me and thee."

What the Lord did for Himself, though unnecessarily, He also did for Peter!

And here's the point today.

I think often what Jesus does, what He possesses, what He achieves, He shares with His followers!

Today He is our Great High Priest, sitting at the Right Hand of God the Father, enjoying the blessings of His Position as the crucified, buried and resurrected Lord of all!

And those blessings He passes to you and me, to us!

Get this please. Paul, in Romans 8:17, says that Jesus does so much for us, shares so much with us, that we are literally "joint-heirs" with Him!  "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Amazing!

The great John 17 prayer of our Lord's, where He prays for us specifically, likely contains the very set of petitions He still prays for us to this very day! And of course therein He prayed for Himself too!

"For Me and thee," Peter!

What I've done for myself here ... I've done for you also!

Think what He has done for us!

In the past!

And what He is doing this very second!

And what He will yet do in the future!

For Himself and for us!

"For Me and thee."

What a Saviour!

No wonder His children have worshipped Him for all these years!

                                                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell