St. Peter's ... Fish?

In Matthew 17, Jesus comes to Capernaum again and those that collect the Temple tax ask Peter if Jesus pays the Temple tax. Peter says "yes, he does."

When he comes into the house, it says that Jesus speaks first. I like to imagine him keeping quiet when Peter answered, or maybe he was just waiting inside. In either case, Jesus asks Peter if kings charge tax to their children or to others. Peter says that a long would not tax his own children.

Jesus replies (and I'm paraphrasing from "then the children are exempt"): You just saw me transfigured in front of you, with Moses and Elijah beside me. And a bright cloud appeared on me and you heard the voice of God call me His son, whom He loves. And you say that a King wouldn't tax his own son, so why do you think I should pay the Temple tax.

But, Jesus says, so as not to cause offense, go and toss your fishing line in the lake and the first fish you find will have a coin in its mouth to pay your tax and mine.

An amazing story of Jesus and his authority and his relationship to God and God's provision, even of tax money. A reminder to trust in God and of the power and authority passed on to us who are called children of God, to those who believe in the name of Jesus

Now, you may be asking yourself, "what kind of fish did Peter catch, with the coin in it?"

Well, according to legend, it was this kind that I had for lunch. I also had a tiny cup of very strong Israeli coffee.

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