The story of the tribute-money is not one of the great miracles, and yet its lessons are well worth our careful study.
I. There is what, for the want of a better word, we must call the modesty of Jesus. Rather than offend the prejudices of the people, He would waive His claim. Are not we who call ourselves His disciples too ready to put forth our titles to men's respect and to stand upon our dignity? Let us not be too exacting, but seek the spirit of Christ, "who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross."
II. We learn something of the poverty of Jesus. If ever there was a poor man, it was the Lord of life and glory. There is something of greater moment than wealth, and that is character. Money may not elevate, good deeds do. In the conventional meaning of the words, Christ was not worth fifteen pence; yet He could heal the sick and raise the dead. It will be worth our while to weigh ourselves in the true balances, and to find out Heaven's assessment of our belongings.
III. The story gives us a peep into Christ's resources. Though He had not the money by Him, He knew where it was. The gold and silver are all His. It could be brought out if the Lord willed it, and yet His treasury is often empty.
IV. We learn that God does not often act without human agency. Christ could have done without Peter. It would have been easy to have willed it, and the fish would have swum to His feet as He stood by the side of the lake, and have dropped the coin within His reach. But He knew that Peter could catch the fish, and so he was sent to do what he was able. It appears to be the Divine plan to do what men cannot, but not to act for us.
V. The story teaches us that he who works for Jesus is sure to get his pay. Christ wanted fifteen pence, and Peter took out of the fish's mouth half-a-crown. And thus in obeying Christ he paid his own taxes. In keeping His commandments there is great reward.
T. Champness, New Coins from Old Gold,p. 102.
References: Matthew 17:27. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. v., p. 316; Preacher's Monthly,vol. x., p. 118.