A lot of weird things happen in the Bible. One of my favorites is Matthew 17:27, where Jesus instructs Peter to go to the sea and catch a fish. He promises that the fish will have in its mouth the exact amount of money they need for their temple taxes. It is an incredibly intricate yet simple story. In fact, the story has less to do with the miracle of the fish and more to do with the mind of Jesus. Jesus, in that moment, is wrestling with several conflicting ideas. Internally, I’m sure the idea of going along with a mortal and flawed political system repulses Jesus. Why should Jesus, Peter, or any of the disciples be forced to pay taxes? Jesus asks in verse 25, “From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” (NRSVUE). Jesus is making the claim that he is the Son of God and shouldn’t have to pay the temple tax. However, externally, he is also wrestling. He is wrestling with the reality that Capernaum is not perfect. It is full of easily offended, hardened, and often misguided people — people who aren’t yet ready to hear the truth of who he is, people he was called to save and love, even when they don’t get it right the first time.
And so, Jesus, engaging with both his internal and external questioning, settles on a divine truth. Jesus says at the beginning of verse 27, “lest we should offend them” (KJV). The word “offend” in its original context means “to cause to stumble.” Jesus was more concerned about making sure his adversaries didn’t stumble than he was about asserting his rights.
This story is a powerful example of leadership in political moments. It’s not about being right, winning, or even proving others wrong. Jesus shows us that choosing connection over separation and choosing empathy over apathy are valuable and needed qualities. Jesus could have decided to go another way. He could have announced to all of Capernaum that he was the Son of God, that he and his disciples were too good for Capernaum’s political system, and that they refused to pay taxes. He could have called down from heaven buckets of coins to flood their streets, totally destabilizing their governmental banking system. Instead, Jesus sent Peter to go fish, and out of the mouth of that one fish paid just enough in taxes for the two of them. Can you see the level of graciousness, restraint, and love Jesus showed?
My prayer is that in this political season of uncertainty and change, I can be more like Christ. My prayer is that my actions and words do not cause others to stumble. My prayer is for the God of grace to be with me wherever I go. And who knows, maybe I’ll order some fried catfish and find a couple of coins in its mouth along the way.
Rev. Dr. Ron Bell is the Director of Healing and Resilience at The Upper Room.
This reflection appeared in the November edition of The Upper Room Journal, a monthly newsletter to support you in creating daily life with God. Subscribe here.
What does it mean to “choose connection over separation” in your life?
How can you lead with empathy, even when you disagree with others?
How can we contribute to unity during divisive moments?
What prayer or intention will guide your words and actions during the season ahead?
Share your responses with others in the comments below!