And when they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter, and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma 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 the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” And upon his saying, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Consequently the sons are exempt. But, lest we give them offense, 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 stater. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”

Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus had divine power, the same as God. In verse 27, Jesus made a Royal Concession (kings pay no taxes and collect none from their families) when he told Peter “for you and me.” Jesus, the King, owed no taxes, but He supplied the tax payment for both Peter and Himself rather than offend those who did not understand His kingship. Peter needed a ransom for his soul. Such a ransom we need, and Jesus paid that ransom for all. AMEN.

-Shared by Rodney McCord