Unshakeable

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 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? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 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. Matthew 17:24-27 (KJV)

Jesus and the disciples had returned to Capernaum. The tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid temple tax, or tribute. Peter said, “Yes.” When Peter entered Jesus’ house, Jesus stopped him about this. In this conversation, Jesus called Peter by his old name, which was Simon. Why did He do this? He did it because Simon means a shaken reed, not stable. Obviously what the tax collectors had said to Peter about paying taxes had distrurbed him.

When needs come up, we must not be shaken or become unstable and unsure. We must be like a rock, strong, and stable inside so we can deal with whatever comes to us on the outside. Jesus said they were free from paying the temple tax, but because Peter was shaken he had said that Jesus paid the tax. In order to allow Peter to keep his word, Jesus arranged for Peter to get the money for the tax from a fish. Problem solved! They didn’t even have to draw from their own funds for the tax, which was just because Jesus said they weren’t required to pay it anyway.

Jesus was giving Peter an object lesson that no matter the need, whether just or unjust, Jesus will provide. People may tax, or offend, us. Don’t let them tax you, upseting and shaking you. Stay stable, strong, and immovable. Look to Jesus to do what He says, and provision will come.