Matthew 17:22-27

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There are two notable incidents in this section. In the first, Jesus announces for the second time to the disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection. We already know that they did not comprehend the prediction of His resurrection. Even after He rose from the dead, they did not believe the testimony of the early witnesses. Matthew tells us that when they again heard Jesus predict His death, they were greatly distressed. Obviously, they are only hearing the part about His death and are not considering His resurrection. These predictions would have also caused confusion. As with all the Jews, their understanding of the coming Messiah was for an earthly rule without end. The death of the Messiah would be antithetical to their belief.In the second incident, Peter is challenged concerning the temple tax. The temple tax or literally “two-drachma tax” (ESV) was a tax charged to Israelite males for the support of the temple (Ex. 30:13). When confronted with whether or not Jesus paid the tax, Peter defensively answered that Jesus certainly would pay the tax. His answer is to be expected since Peter would believe the Lord to be obedient to the Law in every way. However, Jesus challenged Peter on whether the family of a king was under obligation to pay tax. Of course, the children of the king did not pay. Therefore, since Jesus is the Son of God, He was not under obligation to pay the tax. Jesus is confirming Peter’s early confession that He is the Son of God.

However, Jesus knew that no one outside His inner circle would have that same understanding and for Him to not pay would leave the impression that He was being disobedient to the Law. Therefore, He instructed Peter to go fishing - with a hook instead of a net - and the first fish he caught would have a coin worth four drachmas that could be used to pay the tax for both of them. Just think of all that was involved in that miracle! First, Jesus knew of Peter’s conversation with the tax collectors. Then there was all that was involved in getting a particular fish with a coin in its mouth to bite on the hook that Peter would throw in the water at the exact place where Peter would fish. One might see similar things in movies filled with fantasy, but this was real, and accomplished so simply that we recognize it as being as natural to Jesus as everyday mundane things would be to our lives.

Berry Kercheville