Matthew 17:24–27 describes the story where Jesus pays the temple tax.
When heaven funds your obedience, even fish carry miracles. It beautifully exemplifies how Jesus pays the temple tax and reveals divine provision.
In Matthew 17:24–27, Jesus uses a tax question to reveal truths about freedom, responsibility, and God’s provision. It’s a short moment, but full of spiritual depth, illustrating what happens when Jesus pays the temple tax.
Matthew 17:24–27 (NASB 2020)
24 Now when they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a stater. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- Peter, directly and personally
- Tax collectors, indirectly
- Future believers, through His example in how Jesus pays the temple tax.
What Happened?
- Temple tax collectors approached Peter
- Jesus asked Peter a question about royalty and tax
- He taught that sons are free, but chose to submit anyway
- Told Peter to go fishing—and the first fish had a coin in its mouth
- That coin paid the tax for both Jesus and Peter, a reminder of how Jesus handles the temple tax through miraculous means.
The Mood: Calm, Clever, Supernatural
- Jesus was calmly assertive, not defensive
- He used wisdom to teach and a miracle to provide.
- The mood shifts from social pressure to supernatural peace once Jesus pays the temple tax.
The Principle: Sons Are Free, But Love Chooses Humility
- As sons and daughters of God, we’re free—but that doesn’t mean we’re careless
- Jesus didn’t have to pay, but He chose not to offend
- When we walk in Sonship, God handles our supply
- Miracles can fund your mission—if you walk in obedience
Audience Response (Then)
- Peter obeyed immediately
- There’s no record of the collectors questioning further
- The moment ends quietly, but powerfully—Jesus demonstrated freedom with humility and obedience with provision after the miracle of paying the temple tax.
What This Means for Us in 2025
Many believers today struggle with balancing freedom in Christ and responsibility in society. Jesus shows us through the narrative where He pays the temple tax:
- You don’t need to fight for rights when you walk in Sonship
- Submission for the sake of peace is not weakness
- God can provide from unusual sources—even a fish
- Obedience opens doors to miracles
Action Steps for Today
- Rest in your identity. You are a child of God—walk like it.
- Submit without losing who you are. Humility is strength.
- Obey promptly. Don’t delay the miracle.
- Trust God’s method. It may be unconventional—but it’s always sufficient.
- Believe in provision. Even your tax burden isn’t too small for God.
Final Prayer
Jesus, thank You for showing me how to walk in sonship and humility. Help me honor You in public and private. I trust You for provision—even when it comes in miraculous ways, as demonstrated when You paid the temple tax. Use my obedience to open doors for others to see Your goodness. In Your name, Amen.
God funds what He favors—walk in faith and watch provision follow.
