Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we continue our Beyond Belief series as we take a deeper look at some of the miracles Jesus performed during His three years of ministry leading up to His crucifixion. Today’s miracle is one not often taught but fairly well known. It’s the only miracle Jesus performed for His own benefit. It is recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew, probably because of Matthew’s previous career as a tax collector

Matthew 17:24-27 (NKJV) When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

1. Being in the family makes all the difference

Vss 24-26 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.

• The Temple Tax was imposed upon every adult male Jew once a year for the purposes of the upkeep of the temple.
• When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, those responsible to collect the tax inquired if Jesus was exempt from paying the tax since Rabbis were nor responsible to pay.
• This was not an attack by the collectors but rather an honest question or gentle reminder.
• Jesus makes it clear, as the Son of the King, He is not responsible to pay the tax. He also makes it clear that those who are “adopted” into the family are also not required to pay.

1. But we must be a witness

Vs 27a Nevertheless, lest we offend them…

• Jesus knew by saying no, the collectors would have to inquire of the leaders in Jerusalem what to do which would create a major conflict.
• He gives the lesson that while we are in the world, we are not of the world.
• He also makes it clear that He had come to save them.

1. So don’t worry, be happy…Jesus paid it all

Vs 27b … go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.

• Peter was known as a fisherman so Jesus used this opportunity to teach that all creation was under His control.
• He also makes it clear He would pay in the most amazing way, as a precursor to how He would pay for us.

Application:

1. As children of God, this world should not be our worry
2. While here, we must be “IN” but not “OF”…a witness of the Gospel
3. In the midst of the insanity of the day, He is still a miracle working God in our lives
4. TRUST!