When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes,” he said.
When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?”
“From strangers,” he said.
“Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to them for me and you.” Matthew 17:24-27
Faith-Filled Day 6: The Treasure in the Fish’s Mouth – Matthew 17:2-27
When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter with a question: “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” Peter immediately answered, “Yes.”
When Peter entered the house, Jesus already knew the conversation that had taken place. Although Jesus explained that, as the Son of God, He was not obligated to pay the temple tax, He chose to do so to avoid causing unnecessary offense. Then He gave Peter an astonishing instruction.
The Word
Jesus told Peter:
“Go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for Me and you.” — Matthew 17:27
Peter had spent his life as a fisherman. He knew how extraordinary it would be to catch a fish with exactly the right coin in its mouth. Yet Jesus’ command required no complicated plan—only simple obedience.
The Fulfillment
Peter obeyed exactly as Jesus instructed. He cast a line into the lake, caught the first fish that came up, and opened its mouth. Just as Jesus had promised, there was a four-drachma coin—precisely enough to pay the temple tax for both Jesus and Peter.
This remarkable miracle demonstrated that Jesus is Lord over all creation. The fish, the coin, the timing, and Peter’s catch were all under His sovereign control. God provided exactly what was needed at exactly the right moment.
Reflection Questions
- Have I ever doubted that God could provide for a need in an unexpected way?
- What does this miracle teach me about Jesus’ authority over every detail of creation?
- Am I willing to obey God even when His instructions don’t seem to make sense?
- How has God surprised me with His provision in the past?
Action Step
Think of one need you have been worrying about—whether financial, emotional, relational, or spiritual. Surrender it to God in prayer today. Instead of focusing on your own resources, choose to trust that God can provide in ways you could never imagine. Write down one way you will walk in faith while you wait for His provision.
Come over to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Day 6: The Treasure in the Fish’s Mouth – Matthew 17:24-27 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!
THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! Let’s not just share our art but also the heart of what God is speaking to us with one another.
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank You for being my faithful Provider. You know every need before I even ask, and nothing is beyond Your power. Help me trust You when I cannot see the solution and remind me that You are working behind the scenes in ways I may never understand. Give me a heart that obeys Your Word without hesitation, knowing that Your plans are always perfect. Thank You for providing exactly what I need at exactly the right time. Strengthen my faith to rely on You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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