Introduction: Have you ever heard of this saying, “Put your money where your mouth is”? This devotion is going to explore that thought, but in alittle different way. The setting is found In Matthew’s gospel. Jesus Christ has traveled, taught, and healed all the way from the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt Hermon – northern Israel) to the area called Galilee. Next, after being approached concerning his taxes, Peter is going to witness a miracle in the making. Yet, in this narrative, there are several practical lessons we can learn. Take note:

1. Confirmation for our Provisions! (Matt 17:24-26) – “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.”

Do you remember “Where Jesus GUIDES, He PROVIDES”?

Get the picture. Peter is questioned about paying not only his temple tax but also our Lord’s. What is a “tribute”?

The word “tribute” is δίδραχμον, (did’-rakh-mon), which is a double-drachma, two drachmae, or a Greek silver coin.

This “tax” was an annual fee that was required for the Jewish temple. It would be equal to 1/2 shekel or 8 grams of silver or 160 grains of barley. Someone has calculated it to be about $5.00 today if silver was around $17.00 per ounce.

The point is that the crowd was trying to trap Jesus again. Yet, He will not be put into a BOX! So He already had “Provisions” for Peter’s taxes as well as his. But in response to our Lord’s interesting request, Peter must not rely upon his “FEELINGS,” instead his “FAITH” in Jesus must govern his decision, which it did. Do you need to exercise FAITH in Jesus’s Word?

2. Vision for our Mission! (Matt 17:27) – “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”