scripture
25. "Of course he does," Peter replied.
Then he went into the house to talk to Jesus about it. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the foreigners they have conquered?"
26 "They tax the foreigners," Peter replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free!
However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us."
observation
Quite possibly Peter had never seen Jesus pay the temple tax and it was even more likely that they did not have any money at all with them. There is a good chance that Peter has a sinking feeling inside and is a little bit afraid.
Jesus knew that Peter was troubled without him saying it that's just part of being all knowing. Jesus gives Peter justification for not needing to pay the temple tax, it would be like us passing the offering plate today and requiring Jesus to tithe.
Jesus showed himself to be all knowing first and then he showed himself to be all powerful. What are the odds that an ordinary man could tell Peter to go fishing and open the mouth of the first fish that he catches and take out a coin that is sufficient to exactly pay the temple tax for Jesus and Peter. They needed two-drachma each and the fish brought them exactly four drachma.
In our time of need, which is always, Jesus knows the need and he has the power to supply the provision for our need even before we decide to ask him. Sometimes we go everywhere else first.
Philippians 4:19 Our God shall supply all our need, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
application
I will trust my heavenly father for all my needs.
prayer
I thank you father for your blessings that you have bestowed on me. I thank you that you know my need and that you supply me with everything that I need. I am a rich man!
