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Jesus and the Temple Tax

24 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” 26 When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. 27 However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me” Matthew 17:24-27.

I love this story that is rarely quoted or discussed. Indeed, it is a strange story about a coin in the mouth of a fish. We are not told that Peter actually found the coin. It may well be another way of saying to those who were instructed to carry no gold, no silver, not even a few coppers in their purses, to trust in God who provides in unexpected ways.

We cannot live for more money. That is no way to spend the few days and hours God has given to us in life. I have always given a 10% tithe to my church and never looked back because that is Biblical. Try it, you’ll like it!

Don’t make this story our the point about money more complex than it needs to be. Your money comes to you on its way to others. Remember that! So trust in God and He will provide in unexpected ways.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy win me a sinner.

From the Bible:

“7 “If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. 8 You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be” Deuteronomy 15:7–8.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid in full”

Proverbs 19:17.

“10 Bring your full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing” Malachi 3:10.

“17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help” 1 John 3:17?