The First Fish - Matthew 17:24-27

Matthew 17:24-27

The Temple Tax

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?” 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?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 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. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Jesus is giving Peter a lesson that points to a fundamental element of His mission on earth. Jesus came to free man from the tax of the kings of the earth. This is a reference to the "toll" of judgement that burdens every man as a result of sin. The sons of the king are free from this tax. This speaks of the freedom from death that awaits all others, those who are not sons of the king. 

He has paid the price of the penalty that we owe. The fish echoes the word Jesus spoke to the disciples when He called them. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men". Jesus is the first fish, the cornerstone of the new temple. From His mouth comes the word of our salvation. From His death the debt is paid. This includes all that will share in the hook of the gospel. 

Seek and you will find.