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Jesus directs Peter to find a coin

Peter goes fishing for Temple tax money.
Contributed by YO! Ministry
Story also available on our translated websites: Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Arabic
1
Capernaum was by the Sea Of Galilee. This is where Jesus lived and it became the central place of His ministry. – Slide 1
2
One day some men who collected the tax to maintain the temple in Jerusalem approached Peter. Peter was known as a close friend and disciple of Jesus. They wanted to test Jesus indirectly so they approached Peter instead. – Slide 2
3
They asked Peter, ‘Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ Peter was very confident in his answer. Now he had to back that up with results and the tax collectors were waiting. – Slide 3
4
Peter hurried off to find Jesus. Peter did not want to say Jesus wouldn’t pay the two-drachma (half a shekel) because the Bible clearly instructs all Jewish males 20 years and older to pay it (Exodus 30:13-16). – Slide 4
5
When he found Jesus, and before Peter could say anything, Jesus said, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?’ – Slide 5
6
When Peter replied ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are exempt.’ Jesus is the Son of God and He is King of kings. Obviously He should not have to pay the Temple tax. – Slide 6
7
Jesus continued,  ‘So that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and for Me.’ – Slide 7
8
Peter was an experienced fisherman and knew that it would be a miracle for this to happen. In faith Peter did not doubt and did what Jesus asked. Peter set up a fishing line and caught a fish. – Slide 8
9
When he cut the fish open, just as Jesus had said, he found a shekel coin inside it – exactly enough money to pay the Temple tax for himself and Jesus. Peter followed Jesus’ command and was rewarded. He rejoiced in seeing God provide. In following Jesus and His commandments we will always be rewarded, either here on earth or in eternity with Him. – Slide 9
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Slide 10