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.”

Such a fascinating exchange between Jesus and Peter here. The question was simple, but the answer was deep.

Peter is questioned: Does your master pay the temple tax?

Jesus takes this simple question and gives a much deeper answer. And he does this by asking a better question: Who does the king collect taxes from, his children or his subjects? Peter answers correctly, the subjects.This is because it would be silly for the king to tax and then provide for his children.

God is the King of the temple. Jesus is his Son. Jesus wanted this authority to stand out to Peter. So, he spoke it and then he did a miracle to reinforce his authority. He caused Peter to catch a fish with the exact coin needed for the temple tax.

The authority of Jesus is paramount for us. He has authority over all things. And when we decide to follow Jesus, we have his Spirit in our hearts, the authority of Jesus inside of us.

Lord, thank you for your incredible authority that you demonstrated in such a humble and confident way. Help me to act under your authority with confidence to serve you and do good.