Matthew 17:27 - But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
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What does "Matthew 17:27" mean?
This verse from Matthew 17:27 is a fascinating passage that illustrates several important aspects of Jesus's ministry and character. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context:
Jesus and his disciples are in Capernaum.
Tax collectors approach Peter and ask if Jesus pays the temple tax (a tax levied on all Jewish men to support the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem).
Peter initially says yes, likely without consulting Jesus.
Explanation of the Verse:
"But, lest we cause them to stumble..." This is the key motivation behind Jesus's actions. He doesn't want to offend or cause unnecessary trouble or doubt for the tax collectors. The word "stumble" (skandalizo) in the Greek often refers to causing someone to lose faith or take offense. Jesus is prioritizing avoiding any potential harm to their faith.
"Go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up." This is a miraculous instruction. Jesus is telling Peter to perform a seemingly random act with an improbable outcome.
"When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin." A "stater" was a silver coin worth four drachmas, which was precisely the amount needed to pay the temple tax for two people (Jesus and Peter).
"Take that, and give it to them for me and you." This is the final instruction. The money is for the tax collectors, covering the obligation for both Jesus and Peter.
Interpretation and Significance:
1. Jesus's Divine Knowledge and Power: The miracle of finding the exact amount of money in the fish's mouth demonstrates Jesus's supernatural power and knowledge. He knows what's in the fish's mouth before it's caught, illustrating his divine nature.
2. Jesus's Willingness to Submit: While Jesus may have been exempt from the temple tax (as some interpret his initial question to Peter in verses 25-26), he chooses to pay it to avoid causing offense. This highlights his willingness to submit to earthly authorities and social norms, even when he might not be obligated to. It's a powerful example of humility.
3. Avoiding Offense: As mentioned earlier, a primary reason for Jesus's actions is to avoid causing others to "stumble" or be led astray. He values their faith and wants to prevent unnecessary doubt or opposition.
4. A Lesson in Provision: The story also conveys a message of God's provision. Even in seemingly impossible situations, God can provide for the needs of his followers in unexpected ways.
5. Possible Symbolic Meaning: Some commentators suggest that the fish could symbolize the Gentiles, who would eventually be brought into the kingdom of God. The coin found in its mouth represents the resources needed to support the work of the kingdom.
In summary, Matthew 17:27 is a complex verse that demonstrates Jesus's divine power, his willingness to submit to authority, his concern for the faith of others, and God's provision for those who follow him. It's a reminder that sometimes, we need to be willing to go the extra mile (or cast the extra hook!) to avoid causing offense and to demonstrate God's love to the world.
Matthew 17:27 - But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
What does "Matthew 17:27" mean?
This verse from Matthew 17:27 is a fascinating passage that illustrates several important aspects of Jesus's ministry and character. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context:
Jesus and his disciples are in Capernaum.
Tax collectors approach Peter and ask if Jesus pays the temple tax (a tax levied on all Jewish men to support the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem).
Peter initially says yes, likely without consulting Jesus.
Explanation of the Verse:
"But, lest we cause them to stumble..." This is the key motivation behind Jesus's actions. He doesn't want to offend or cause unnecessary trouble or doubt for the tax collectors. The word "stumble" (skandalizo) in the Greek often refers to causing someone to lose faith or take offense. Jesus is prioritizing avoiding any potential harm to their faith.
"Go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up." This is a miraculous instruction. Jesus is telling Peter to perform a seemingly random act with an improbable outcome.
"When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin." A "stater" was a silver coin worth four drachmas, which was precisely the amount needed to pay the temple tax for two people (Jesus and Peter).
"Take that, and give it to them for me and you." This is the final instruction. The money is for the tax collectors, covering the obligation for both Jesus and Peter.
Interpretation and Significance:
1. Jesus's Divine Knowledge and Power: The miracle of finding the exact amount of money in the fish's mouth demonstrates Jesus's supernatural power and knowledge. He knows what's in the fish's mouth before it's caught, illustrating his divine nature.
2. Jesus's Willingness to Submit: While Jesus may have been exempt from the temple tax (as some interpret his initial question to Peter in verses 25-26), he chooses to pay it to avoid causing offense. This highlights his willingness to submit to earthly authorities and social norms, even when he might not be obligated to. It's a powerful example of humility.
3. Avoiding Offense: As mentioned earlier, a primary reason for Jesus's actions is to avoid causing others to "stumble" or be led astray. He values their faith and wants to prevent unnecessary doubt or opposition.
4. A Lesson in Provision: The story also conveys a message of God's provision. Even in seemingly impossible situations, God can provide for the needs of his followers in unexpected ways.
5. Possible Symbolic Meaning: Some commentators suggest that the fish could symbolize the Gentiles, who would eventually be brought into the kingdom of God. The coin found in its mouth represents the resources needed to support the work of the kingdom.
In summary, Matthew 17:27 is a complex verse that demonstrates Jesus's divine power, his willingness to submit to authority, his concern for the faith of others, and God's provision for those who follow him. It's a reminder that sometimes, we need to be willing to go the extra mile (or cast the extra hook!) to avoid causing offense and to demonstrate God's love to the world.