Provisions

Matthew 17:24-27

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

²⁴ After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

²⁵ “Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes —from their own sons or from others?”

²⁶ “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ²⁷ “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017:%2024%20-%2027&version=NIV1984)

Often times when we read this we get hung up on what a two-drachma tax is and what practices were done during Jesus time.  I want us to look at it a little differently at these scriptures  today.

First of all we see Peter standing up for the Lord.  I can imagine he was telling these people that Jesus would pay but all the while he was wondering how they would ever pay it.  Remember, our Lord didn’t even have a place to lay His head.  So when Peter walked in the door he didn’t have to say anything to Jesus, the Lord knew that Peter had questions regarding the tax.  Now, I would say that is pretty cool, the Lord just knew!  But wait, that is the same way He is with us, He knows our cares, concerns, sorrows, and even our silly little doubts just like He knew Peters.  Isn’t that amazing?

The second thing I noticed was that Jesus did not want to offend anyone.  There are people around us that feel that taxes aren’t that important.  They may say that they are paying their money to the church yet they fail to pay their taxes on time or even at all.  That sends a negative message to those around us.  They publicize in the newspaper the names of those who don’t pay taxes and sends a negative message to someone who is watching your every action.  So it is with Jesus, He tells Peter that they better shy away from offending and the He provides a means for to pay the tax not only for Himself but for Peter as well.  It may have been that they were not to offend because it was not yet Jesus time to be crucified and not paying these taxes could have spurred on a rebellion against Him especially with His claims to be the Son of God.  No matter what the case may have been, Jesus didn’t offend but rather provided a miracle.  He produced the coins needed for both His and Peter’s taxes.

I think it is so amazing that when we, like Peter, have confidence in our Lord and proclaim His mighty power, He provides for our needs.  Peter was not telling a fib but was rather stating a fact without knowing how it would ever be accomplished but God provided and the taxes were paid.

What are you doing and saying the signifies your faith in Him.  Be still and know that God knows your questions and He will answer them in due time, in a prompt and perfect time.

As you seek Him, may you have your questions answered as you seek Him with all your heart.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila