“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” Matthew 17:27
Have you ever noticed that fishermen have a reputation for telling some pretty incredible stories? Being a fisherman, I’ve been guilty myself of stretching things sometimes. The one that got away was always the biggest one of all. Somehow, every time the story is told, the fish grows another inch and gains another pound! That’s why, when people hear something hard to believe, they smile and say, “Well, that’s just another fish story.”
The story before us today is no exaggerated tale. This is the greatest fishing story ever told because it was written by God Himself. This isn’t about a fisherman stretching the truth. It’s about the Lord of the Universe directing one particular fish, at one particular time, carrying one particular coin, to one particular hook. Only God could write a fishing story like that.
The collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and asked if Jesus paid the required tax. Peter quickly answered, “Yes.” When Peter returned to the house, before he even mentioned the conversation, Jesus already knew what had happened. Isn’t that just like our Lord? Before we ever explain our problem, He already knows all about it. Jesus reminded Peter that, as the Son of God, He really didn’t have to pay the tax. Yet, rather than create an unnecessary problem, He chose to pay it. Then He gave Peter one of the strangest commands in the Bible: “Go to the sea, cast in a hook, catch the first fish, open its mouth, and you’ll find enough money to pay the tax for both of us.” Sometimes when I catch a fish, I take a peek in its mouth. Imagine Peter’s reaction. He had spent years catching fish for a living. If anyone knew fish didn’t carry money in their mouths, it was Peter! Yet he obeyed, and everything happened exactly as Jesus said. What a wonderful reminder that God’s answer is never determined by our understanding of how He’ll do it! Amen?! If God could place a coin in the mouth of a fish, He can certainly provide for every need in your life.
The Psalmist reminds us that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10). He also owns the hills beneath them—and every fish swimming in the sea!
Notice three truths from this story…
FIRST, GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS BEFORE WE ASK HIM.
Before Peter ever spoke, Jesus already knew the situation. Sometimes we think we are informing God when we pray. We’re not. Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to the Lord? Prayer isn’t about informing Him; it’s about trusting Him. Your Heavenly Father already knows every burden, every bill, every heartache, and every unanswered question (Matt. 6:8).
A little girl came home from school with tears in her eyes. Before she could say a word, her father knelt beside her and said, “Sweetheart, your teacher already called me. I know what happened.” Before a burden ever reaches our lips in prayer, it has already passed before our Father’s eyes.
SECOND, GOD’S PROVISION COMES AFTER OUR OBEDIENCE.
Peter didn’t find the coin while sitting in the house wondering how God would work. He found it after obeying Jesus’ command. Many times, we want God to provide first and then we’ll obey. But faith obeys first and discovers God’s provision along the way. Sometimes we think we’re waiting for the Lord, but perhaps He’s waiting for us to take that first step. Peter never would have found the coin had he refused to go fishing.
THIRD, GOD’S RESOURCES ARE NEVER EXHAUSTED.
Who but God could arrange for one particular fish to swallow one particular coin of the exact amount needed and then guide that same fish to Peter’s hook at precisely the right moment? That wasn’t luck. That was the sovereign hand of God. If God can control the fish in the sea, He can certainly control the circumstances of your life. Life won’t always be easy, but God will always be faithful.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
The greatest fishing story ever told isn’t really about a fish—it’s about a faithful Savior. He knows every need before you mention it, every burden before you carry it, and every bill before it comes due. So whatever you’re facing today, don’t panic—trust Him. Don’t quit, obey Him. The God who directed that fish is still directing the affairs of His children, and His provision often comes from places we never would have imagined. The greatest fishing story ever told reminds us that we have the greatest Provider who has ever lived—and He ever lives today! He has never failed His children, and He isn’t about to start with you! Praise His name!
Think it over…
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