A Study of Peter

In our Wednesday evening bible class we looked at an event in Peter’s life from Matthew 17: 24-27. We know it as, "Jesus and the temple tax."

It is the story when Peter was asked by the temple tax collector if Jesus paid the two drachma temple tax. Peter answered for Jesus and said that he did. When Peter entered his house where Jesus was staying, Jesus asked Peter, “What do you think Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter answered, “From strangers.” To which Christ replied, “Then the sons are exempt, however, so we don’t offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook , and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open up its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”

These four short verses almost seem anecdotal and often times we get caught up just in the miracle of Jesus telling Peter to go to the Sea of Galilee and check the first fish he catches that there would be a shekel in its mouth to pay the tax for both of them. Yes, this shows Jesus is all knowing and works amazing miracles, but the truly amazing point of the story is that Jesus pays the ransom for people who believe in him.

continued in Wednesday class article

 — Jim L