Show Don't Tell: Matthew 17:22-27

Instead of saying "Jesus paid the temple tax miraculously," follow the conversation. Jesus again predicts: "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised." The disciples are filled with grief. Then, in Capernaum, tax collectors approach Peter: "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" Peter says yes. When Peter enters the house, Jesus speaks first: "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?" From others. "Then the children are exempt." The Son doesn't owe tax to his Father's house. "But so that we may not cause offense"—watch this—"go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin." Exact amount for two. Humility and sovereignty in one fishing trip.