One of the most unusual–quirky, even–miracles recorded in the Bible is found in Matthew 17:24-27. Instead of telling you what happened, let’s read it together.
After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“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 children or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, 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.”
First let’s make sure you understand that the tax collectors weren’t nearly as interested in the tax itself, as they were in laying a trap for Jesus. Jesus wasn’t from Capernaum. He didn’t have to pay the tax there. But out of respect for the Law, out of obedience to God to honor those in authority, and to avoid giving the Jewish leaders one more reason to (falsely) brand Jesus as a ‘phony’, he paid it. Peter, on the other hand, owed the tax because he lived there (Matthew 8 tells us that).
Now let’s get to the part about the fish. Seeing as how Peter was a fisherman, it was only natural for Jesus to choose a fish to provide the tax. After all, doesn’t everyone pay their taxes from what they grow or produce, i.e., what they earn in making a living?
But why not just have Peter catch enough fish to sell to pay the tax? Why do something so ‘out there’? The Bible doesn’t answer that question for us. In fact, the Bible doesn’t even tell us what most would consider to be the rest of the story. You know, the part about Peter catching the fish, getting the money, and paying the tax. The Bible doesn’t tell us what the Jewish leaders had to say when Peter plopped the money on the table and told them where it came from (because we all know Peter couldn’t and wouldn’t keep that to himself). And in my opinion, here’s why….
It’s not about the fish. It’s about reminding Peter (and us) of some essential spiritual truths.
If you will look back just a few verses, Peter had recently stated that he knew Jesus to be the one and only Son of God–the promised Messiah and Savior (Matthew 16:16). In making that confession, Peter acknowledged that Jesus was God in the flesh, therefore affirming that all creation belonged to him. So, Jesus was reminding Peter that just like everyone else’s taxes were paid from money derived from what they made or produced, Jesus paid his and Peter’s taxes from what he (Jesus) had created. It was also a reminder to Peter (and to us) to honor and respect the government (Romans 13:1 and 7, Titus 3:1, Matthew 22:17-21), to be the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16), and to always set a Godly example so that your life in no way gives anyone cause to malign God’s Word (Titus 2:7, Hebrews 12:14, Colossians 3:17, and 1st Timothy 4:12).
There’s not a doubt in my mind that Peter was in awe of what happened that day, yet I don’t think he was surprised. He had come to a point in his life that he knew when Jesus said something, you could take it to the bank. Period. But what a lesson it was for him (and for us) in humility and obedience to God’s command that we let his holiness be seen through our willingness to honor and respect the laws of our land.
Colossians 4:6,
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, "Why Were the Shepherds the First to Know", "Church Words 101", and "Brighten the Corner Where You Arek". NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.
