March 4, 2010
a promise to provide
Matthew 17:24-27
Robyn Dotson
Central Truth
The Lord is capable of amazing things. He will take care of us and provide for us in ways we do not even understand or imagine.
Key Verse | Matthew 17:27
"However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." (Matthew 17:27)
Matthew 17:24-27
The Temple Tax
24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. 1 17:27 Greek stater, a silver coin worth four drachmas or approximately one shekel Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Dive Deeper | Matthew 17:24-27
Growing up in the church, I remember reading about all of the miracles that Jesus performed. I remember reading about Jesus making the lame walk, the blind see, and feeding thousands from a few loaves of bread. I read, studied, and heard about these miracles constantly.
Somewhere along the line, they lost their luster and awe-inspiring nature. In my mind these things became something everyone should expect from Jesus.
Jesus tells Peter to catch a fish and pull a coin from its mouth. Please take a moment and think about how absurd that sounds. Peter, a faithful servant of the Lord, believed Him. He knew that Jesus was capable of amazing things and always followed through with His promises.
Throughout the Bible we are told that the Lord will provide, that He has plans for us to prosper, and that He is always watching over us. We are also shown throughout the Bible that every promise God makes is fulfilled.
So why do we often question whether the Lord will provide? I often find myself in a state of worry and anxiety about things that are out of my control. For some reason I lose sight that the Lord is capable of everything and is a loving Father who wants the best for me.
The Lord distinguishes between wants and needs because they are different. Although I continue to have times of worry, there has never been a time when I have been without what I needed.
Throughout the New Testament we read about these amazing miracles that Jesus performs, but we still manage to think that our troubles are too big for the Lord. Our God is a good and faithful God from whom all blessings flow. He is a loving Father who wants to provide for and protect His children. As His children, we should praise Him and put our faith and trust in Him, for He is good.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you recently stood in awe of God? While reading about Jesus' miracles, do you ever sit and think about how truly miraculous they are?
2. Think about what is causing you worry and anxiety right now. Have you given it to the Lord? Is it a result of a want or a need?
3. Take time to think about all of the little ways in which God has provided for you and showered you with His love. Name three of them right now.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What did Jesus tell Peter to do in verse 27? Did Peter do what Jesus asked him to do?
2. How did Jesus know the coin would be in the fish’s mouth?
3. Do you trust Jesus that He knows everything and therefore you can obey what He asks you to do?