Several Steps Ahead

“Go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin.” —Matthew 17:27

Few people enjoy thinking about taxes, so it was a challenging day for Peter. The disciple was reminded that he and his Master, Jesus, were expected to pay a temple tax. Matthew 17:27 tells how Jesus told Peter to go out on a boat and cast a line. The first fish he caught would contain a coin large enough to pay the tax for both of them.

The solution to Peter’s tax problem had likely been set in motion before Peter was even aware of it. A coin of the correct amount fell into the water at the right time and right place. A fish caught it in its mouth and made its way through the sea to be near Peter’s line when it entered the water.

Peter had a need, but he discovered that God was several steps ahead of him. More than the money to pay his tax, Peter received a striking lesson in God’s sovereignty that day.