Ezek 1:2-5.24—2:1; Psalm: 148; Mt 17:22-27

God’s care and provision

In today’s Gospel, Jesus predicts His own death and resurrection to His disciples, emphasizing the necessity of His sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. Despite the heaviness of this revelation, Jesus also assures His followers of God’s care and provision in all circumstances. He uses the example of the temple tax to illustrate this point, instructing Peter to catch a fish that will provide the necessary money to pay the tax for both of them. This miracle serves as a reminder that God is always mindful of his children’s needs and will provide for them in ways that may seem unexpected or miraculous.

Jesus’ words in this passage highlight the importance of faith and trust in God’s provision. He tells Peter, ” 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 17:27) This seemingly simple command required Peter’s obedience and belief that God would indeed provide the necessary resources. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s ways are not always our ways, but we can trust in his faithfulness to meet our needs in unexpected ways.

This passage demonstrates God’s care and provision in even the smallest details of our lives. Jesus could have easily paid the tax through more conventional means, but he chose to perform a miracle to not only meet the immediate need but also to strengthen Peter’s faith and trust in God’s provision. As followers of Christ, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is always watching over us and will provide for us in ways that surpass our understanding. This story serves as a powerful testament to God’s love and care for his children, reminding us to have faith and trust in his provision in all circumstances.