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for August 12, 2024

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08-12-2024 Matthew 17 V-2427 Tax coin in the mouth a fish

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The Book of Matthew 17 v- 24 thru 27

24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”25 “Yes,” he said.* When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” 26 When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. 27 But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

Matthew 17:24-27 narrates an incident that occurs in Capernaum, where Jesus and His disciples are confronted about the temple tax. The collectors approach Peter and ask whether Jesus pays the temple tax, which was a half shekel required annually for the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem. Peter responds affirmatively, suggesting that Jesus does pay the tax.

Upon returning to Jesus, Peter is met with a profound lesson. Jesus, aware of the discussion, asks Peter a rhetorical question: "From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?" Peter answers that the kings take from others, not their own children. Jesus then concludes that since He is the Son of God, He is exempt from the temple tax. This indicates His divine status and the unique relationship He has with God the Father.

However, Jesus chooses to avoid causing offense and instructs Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and catch the first fish that comes up. Inside the fish’s mouth, Peter will find a coin sufficient to pay the tax for both Jesus and himself. This miraculous provision illustrates Jesus’ authority over creation and His ability to provide for needs in unexpected ways.

The passage highlights several key themes: Jesus’ divine sonship and authority, His willingness to forgo His rights for the sake of harmony, and the miraculous nature of His provision. It serves as a reminder of the humility that believers are called to exhibit and the assurance that God can provide for both spiritual and practical needs. This incident reinforces the idea that while Jesus is above the law, He chooses to act in love and consideration for others. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-12-2024 Matthew 17 V-2427

**Tax coin in the mouth of a fish**

In Capernaum, the tale unfolds,

Where Peter learned of truths untold.

The temple tax collectors came,

Asking of Jesus, calling His name.

"Does He pay the tax?" they sought to know,

With a heart of faith, Peter answered so.

But to the Master, he soon returned,

With a question divine, a lesson to be learned.

"From whom do kings take their toll?"

"From their own sons, or from others they scold?"

Peter replied, "From others, it's clear,"

And Jesus smiled, for the truth was near.

“I am the Son, the King of all kings,

Exempt from the tax that the temple brings.

Yet to avoid offense, we will comply,

For love seeks peace, and so shall we try.”

“Go to the sea, cast your line wide,

The first fish you catch will be our guide.

In its mouth, a coin will be found,

A miracle waits, where faith is profound.”

So Peter obeyed, with wonder and glee,

In the depths of the sea, provision found free.

A lesson in faith, humility's grace,

In the heart of the Son, we find our place.

For though He is Lord, above all decree,

He walks among us, in love's harmony.

In every small need, in every kind act,

God’s hand is at work, His promise intact. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 12, 2024 @ 06:27 AM EST

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