“Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

“Yes, he does,” [Peter] replied.

— Matthew 17:25

Though I’m no expert at it, I love fishing. When I cast my line, I just long to catch something. In this fishing story, Peter goes out to catch a specific fish—one with a coin in its mouth!

When the tax collectors ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax (a voluntary “donation” expected of adult men), Peter answers, “Yes, he does.”

Later Jesus speaks with Peter about this at his house. While noting that the children of kings are not expected to pay taxes, Jesus indicates that he and Peter should pay the tax so that they will not “cause offense.” So he tells Peter to cast his line into the lake and that he’ll catch a fish with a coin that he can use to pay both his and Jesus’ temple tax.

What does this striking story suggest? Jesus’ answer points ahead to the time when he, as the Son of God, will replace the Jerusalem temple himself as the focus of true worship and righteousness (see John 2:19-22; John 4:16-21). Jesus’ response also shows that he will provide all that his followers will need. In addition, Jesus offers some sound advice for all who share the good news about him—don’t cause unnecessary offense.

Though we might wish we could pay our taxes by fishing, we can be assured that in Christ all our needs will be taken care of and that we will have opportunities to invite the people around us to worship him freely.

May you alone, Lord, be at the center of our worship, as we trust in you to provide for all our needs and to help us share your love. Amen.