How Odd

Scripture: “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes–from their own sons or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.  “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four‑drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Matthew 17:25b-27 NIV

Observation: I’m at a loss.

Application: I don’t mean to be glib, but I really don’t understand why Jesus did this the way he did it.  I know he paid the taxes so that none of his critics would have any ammunition against him. What I don’t understand is the coin from the fish. Is this a demonstration akin to the claim that
John the Baptist made when he said to the Pharisees and Sadducees, “…I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham?” Matthew 3:9b NIV I guess it was a demonstration by Jesus that out of nothing he can make something of value.  Maybe it’s just like he made something of value when I invited him into my life to be Lord. Yeah…I think that’s how I’m going to apply this odd interaction between Jesus and Peter.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t always understand what I read in your word.  I do find it fun to see how some of the most difficult passages apply to life today. I thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen

Doug