"And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) 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."
It should seem, that this tribute money was not what the publicans gathered for the Roman emperors, but for the temple service. The Son of God had no right to pay it, strictly speaking, for He himself was Lord of the temple. Malachi 3:1; Hebrews 3:6. But, as the Head and Husband of his people, becoming debtor thereby to the whole law, it was justly due. See Galatians 4:4; Luke 2:22; Exodus 30:12-15; Matthew 4:15. But what a beautiful occasion Jesus took therefrom to manifest his power and Godhead by the fish with money. And, Reader! if to supply this pressing occasion, Jesus wrought a miracle then, will he be inattentive to any of the wants of his people now? Oh! how blessedly doth every incident in the life of Christ, minister instruction, grace, and comfort?