19 - Taxes Paid

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth: God's Provision and Purpose

Bible Passage: Matthew 17:24–27

Summary: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His authority over earthly obligations by instructing Peter to catch a fish, which contains a coin sufficient to pay their temple tax. This event highlights God's provision in unexpected ways and underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's provision in their lives, especially in times of financial or spiritual need. It reassures them that even in challenging circumstances, God is at work, providing for their needs in ways they might not foresee.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God often meets our needs in surprising and miraculous ways, reinforcing the importance of faith and obedience in following God's guidance. It emphasizes that Jesus, while fulfilling Jewish law, reveals His greater authority as the Son of God.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows Christ's ultimate provision for humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Just as Jesus provided for Peter's immediate need, He ultimately provides salvation for all believers through His grace.

Big Idea: Trust in God's unexpected provision reveals the depth of our faith and His greater purposes.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the cultural background of temple tax in first-century Israel and its implications for Jesus' ministry. Look into the linguistic nuances of the Greek terms used in this passage in Logos, especially regarding 'pay' and 'temple tax'. Also, investigate other instances in Scripture where God provided in miraculous ways to draw parallels in your sermon.

1. Papering Over Obligations

Matthew 17:24

Maybe you could begin by discussing the necessity and burden of the temple tax since it was both a financial obligation and a reminder of religious duty for Jews in Jesus’ time. This situation sets the stage for Jesus' teaching on divine provision and authority. Highlight how Jesus, even in meeting traditional expectations, begins to set a pattern for challenging and elevating them with divine purpose.

2. Position of Privilege

Matthew 17:25-26

Perhaps explore Jesus’ conversation with Peter where He questions the practice of taxing ‘sons versus others’. Jesus uses this to teach about His and our unique position as children of God, exempt from worldly demands because of our status. Stress how Jesus' knowledge and authority reshape their understanding of God's kingdom economy and encourage believers to lean into their identity in Christ.

3. Provision through Providence

Matthew 17:27

You could unpack how Jesus instructed Peter to find a coin in the fish's mouth, illustrating God's miraculous provision. Emphasize the significance of engaging faith in action, trusting that God will provide in unexpected ways. Worth noting is Jesus' intentional act to fulfill earthly obligations without causing offense, reminding the audience of God's overarching sovereign plans.

What was the significance of the temple tax in the context of Jesus' ministry?

How did Jesus demonstrate His authority concerning earthly obligations in Matthew 17:24-27?

In what ways can we trust in God's provision during difficult financial times, as demonstrated in the sermon?

How can we recognize and act upon God's unexpected provisions in our own lives?

What does the conversation between Jesus and Peter about taxation illustrate about their identity as children of God?