Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of the tribute money is a unique event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 17:24-27. This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and knowledge but also addresses the issue of civic responsibility and the relationship between the followers of Christ and earthly authorities.Context and Setting The event takes place in Capernaum, a town that served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. Upon their arrival, Jesus and His disciples are approached by collectors of the two-drachma temple tax. This tax was an annual obligation for Jewish males over the age of twenty, intended for the maintenance of the temple in Jerusalem. The Inquiry The tax collectors question Peter, asking, "Does your Teacher not pay the two drachmas?" (Matthew 17:24). This inquiry sets the stage for a profound teaching moment. Peter, perhaps caught off guard, responds affirmatively, indicating that Jesus does indeed pay the tax. Jesus' Response and Teaching Before Peter can discuss the matter further, Jesus initiates a conversation with him. He asks, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" (Matthew 17:25). Peter answers, "From others," to which Jesus replies, "Then the sons are exempt" (Matthew 17:26). Here, Jesus highlights a significant truth: as the Son of God, He is exempt from the temple tax, which is ultimately a tribute to His Father. This exchange underscores Jesus' divine sonship and His unique position in relation to the temple and its ordinances. The Miracle Despite His exemption, Jesus chooses to avoid causing offense. He instructs Peter, "But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours" (Matthew 17:27). This miracle is remarkable for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Jesus' omniscience, as He knows precisely where the coin will be found. Second, it reveals His sovereignty over creation, as He orchestrates the circumstances to provide for the tax. Lastly, it illustrates His humility and willingness to submit to earthly authorities to avoid unnecessary conflict. Theological Implications The miracle of the tribute money carries deep theological significance. It affirms Jesus' identity as the divine Son, exempt from earthly obligations yet choosing to fulfill them out of love and consideration for others. It also serves as a lesson for believers, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring civic duties while recognizing their ultimate allegiance to God. Furthermore, this miracle reflects the broader theme of Jesus' mission: to fulfill the law and the prophets, not by abolishing them, but by embodying their true purpose and intent. Through this act, Jesus models the balance between divine authority and humble service, setting an example for His followers to navigate their dual citizenship in the kingdom of God and the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 17:27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go you to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money: that take, and give to them for me and you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ Teaching by Miracles The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... The Coin in the Fish's Mouth The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Gospel of St. Mark Index i. Of Subjects The Father Seen in Christ. The Life of Christ. Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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