Matthew 17:24-27
When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?" Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."
In the passage above, Simon Peter was confronted by a question, and he gave the authorities the answer they desired. When he met with Jesus shortly afterward, Jesus immediately asked him a question as well. Even though Jesus had not been present with Peter, He already knew what had happened. After Peter answered correctly, Jesus set a solution in motion, being careful not to offend anyone. But was there more to this?
Faith would be required for Peter to follow through. He would need to trust Jesus implicitly. Previously, since Peter was an experienced fisherman, we can assume that he had never found money in a fish’s mouth before! However, when he obeyed, he found a stater; the precise temple tax amount for two people, for Jesus and himself. It was also the first fish he caught, just as Jesus had said.
Faith is the currency of the kingdom of heaven. Scripture states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Indeed, to come to a saving faith, God needs to draw an individual to Himself. He provides the necessary revelation of who He is, the sacrifice Jesus made for them, and their need for salvation — empowering them to respond to His merciful call.
Those who respond receive the Holy Spirit within and are made new, or ‘born again’. They are then in true contact with their Maker. With God’s help, His children grow in faith, learning to trust Him daily and fulfill His will. It is a genuine, wonderful relationship!
As the Creator, God cares for all, yet He responds to faith, and is ready to walk closely with His own. The moving of His Spirit, preaching, and the encouragement of others build faith, as Scripture says: ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.’ (Romans 10:17)
The Lord alone can solve any problem, and supply every need. His love ensures fulfillment but, in general, faith must be exercised so God can act. At times, He is simply gracious — as seen in the healing of some who had little or no faith in the well-known healing ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman. She clearly grew in faith and was used greatly by God. Many people are doing things with God.
A lack of commitment to God, a fear of failure or of the lack of God’s provision, short-circuits faith. Any doubt or unbelief similarly erodes faith. If you need more faith, pray for it and for strength. The Lord loves such prayers, desiring to fulfill His plans for you. He also wants us to pray big prayers and do big things under His leading. It displays His power and goodness, and blesses us in many ways personally.
Where is your faith toward God? Come to Him, and receive the assurance of peace in the faith He gives. Faith and trust are the way forward.
Other Scripture
Hebrews 11:1-6
Romans 4:3-5