PRAY
As we head into the final day of Week 2 in our devotional journey through the Life of Peter, there is a potential that the rhythm of what we are doing will put us into a rut. Instead, let’s commit to being disciplined in slowing down, soaking ourselves in the Scripture so that Jesus may reveal Himself and His calling on our lives more clearly. If this resonates with you, agree with this prayer:

Jesus, I don’t want to miss out on anything You have for me. I don’t want to get used to You and all that You offer me in this life. In this time I am about to spend with You, speak to me. I am listening. Amen.

THE FISH AND THE COIN
You are about to dive in to one of the more peculiar stories in Peter’s journey with Jesus. Here is a little background before you read: In Exodus 30:13, we read how Moses incorporated a system where the people of Israel paid a small amount to help with the upkeep of the tabernacle. This system eventually transferred over to the Temple of Jerusalem (Israel’s most holy place) and became known as the “Temple Tax.” Apparently this tax system is still in place at the time of Jesus.

READ AND CONTEMPLATE MATTHEW 17:24-27
As always, see yourself as Peter interacting with the tax collectors and Jesus in this story.

As you assume the role of Peter in this story, what sticks out to you and why?

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Does this story confuse you at all? Are you struggling to see what the point might be? You aren’t alone if you are feeling this way.

Jesus wants to make it clear again that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. There’s a point to His question of Peter in v. 25. If He is the Son of God whom this Temple is built for, He need not pay the tax.

Why get the tax from a fish? Well, maybe simply because He’s Jesus, and He can do it that way. But, maybe it’s also because He wants to teach Peter a lesson without creating a big scene in not paying the tax. So he has the tax appear miraculously.The money Peter will collect from the mouth of the fish will cover both Jesus and him.

And, here is a huge point to not miss: Jesus gives a subtle hint to Peter regarding a deep truth. He does not need to pay the tax, because as Peter has put his trust in Jesus, he is now a child of God as well.

The same is true for you. We aren’t saying you will find money for taxes in fish, but that if you have put your trust in Jesus, you are a child of God.
Respond to this truth as if you are talking to Jesus:

BOTTOM LINE
If you have put your trust in Jesus, you are a child of God.
(Go ahead and reread that about ten times. Let it settle in)

With that, we conclude Week 2 of examining Peter’s life and how it applies to our own Here to There journey. Take a moment to consider your biggest takeaways from this week. Write them below, and consider sharing them with us by sending an email to HereToThere@nmc.church.