“The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth God’s Quiet Provision” Matt

Описание: Title:- “The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth – God’s Quiet Provision”
(Matthew 17:24–27)

1. Introduction – An Unusual Miracle

Among all the miracles of Jesus, this is the only one He performed for His own earthly need.

In every other miracle, He healed, fed, or delivered others.

But here, to pay the temple tax, He told Peter: “Go to the lake, throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth, and you will find a coin.”

This miracle is recorded only by Matthew. Why? Because Matthew himself was a tax collector before he followed Christ (Matt. 9:9). The Spirit of God moved Matthew to record this event in particular, since it touched his old occupation.

2. Old Testament Roots

The temple tax goes back to the Law of Moses (Exodus 30:13–16), where every man 20 years and older had to give half a shekel as atonement money.

It was a reminder that redemption has a price.

In Christ’s miracle, however, He shows Peter that the Son of God is free (v. 26) – yet He willingly pays, to avoid offence.

This points us to Christ Himself, who though He was free as the Son of God, still humbled Himself to pay the ultimate price for our redemption (Isaiah 53:5–6).

3. The Nature of the Fish – Peter’s Fish at Galilee

In the Sea of Galilee swims the tilapia, called “Peter’s fish.”

This fish is famous for mouth-brooding: carrying its young in its mouth.

If it is barren, it picks up glittering objects – shiny stones, shells, even coins – to satisfy its natural instinct.

Isn’t it striking that God chose such a fish to hold the very coin Peter needed?

Nature explains the how, but God explains the why. Christ’s sovereignty guided Peter’s hook to that exact fish, at that exact moment.

4. Why Matthew Only? A Lesson for Us

Matthew alone records this event.

The Spirit chose him because his background as a tax collector gave him insight into its meaning.

Likewise, the Spirit sometimes chooses you or me to see certain things in Scripture in a special way. Each Gospel writer has his unique emphasis, yet together they give us the whole counsel of God.

5. From Gospels to Media: A Contrast

In the Gospels, the Holy Spirit guided the writers so that each gave a faithful, God-breathed account.

Today, in contrast, media outlets behave very differently.

If one channel alone had caught this “fish-with-coin” story, how would they behave?

They would sensationalize it:

“Is it a miracle or a trick?”

“Breaking news: Fisherman finds gold in fish’s mouth!”

Endless debates, arguments, and mockery.

The difference is clear: the Gospel writers were guided by truth, but media today are often guided by profit, sensation, or bias.

6. Spiritual Lessons for Us

1. God Provides Quietly – Sometimes His provision comes in unexpected ways. Not always loud, but always sufficient.

2. Christ Shares His Freedom – Though the Son was free, He paid the tax. He humbled Himself for us. Shouldn’t we be willing to yield our rights for the sake of others?

3. Only Christ Satisfies – Just as the barren fish fills its mouth with glittering stones but finds no real life in them, so people today fill their emptiness with wealth, entertainment, and worldly glory. Only Christ, the Living Bread, can truly satisfy the soul.

4. Be Careful Who Shapes the Story – Are we listening more to today’s media or to the Word of God? The media may distort; the Spirit-inspired Word tells us the truth.

7. Conclusion

The coin in the fish’s mouth reminds us that:

God is sovereign over creation.

Christ is humble and willing to pay.

The Spirit reveals truth through chosen vessels.

And unlike the barren fish, we need not live with empty glitter, for Christ Himself fills us with true life and peace.

Call to Response:
“Lord, help me not to chase glittering emptiness like the barren fish, nor to be swayed by the noisy media of this world. Let me trust Your quiet provision, and live in the freedom You purchased for me at the Cross.”