Matthew 17:24-27 ~ give it to them for me and for yourself

Matthew 17:24-27

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

²⁴ When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the tax?" ²⁵ He said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?" ²⁶ And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.

²⁷ However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."

This passage amazed me when I discovered it the first time. I had to read it again. God meeting Jesus' financial need. And Jesus needed money. A really prime example of Jesus as a man. It wasn't until many years later I saw Jesus sharing what He received with Peter. Rarely done in the world of taxation. It has to be right up there with the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Isaiah 29:18
In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.

So, Peter was saved financial expense. It wasn't what kept Peter's heart.

Peter ran from Jesus during His time of greatest need. And Peter hid himself for days thereafter.

When Peter saw Jesus several times after His Resurrection, Peter was the first one (not to walk on water to Jesus, Peter was done trusting in his own righteousness) to swim to Jesus. Why? Jesus was willing to forgive Peter. Peter knew he would be forgiven.

Forgiveness expands our lives in all directions. And possibilities. God works all things towards good.

John 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

John 21:12
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.





<><