The Temple Tax From The Fish
Back in Capernaum, where Peter lived, and Jesus made his headquarters, the person who collected the temple tax asked Peter about Jesus paying it. Stopping Peter from asking him about it, knowing what he was thinking, he said, "What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?"
Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Matthew 17:26
Jesus said this because, as the Son of God, he shouldn't have had to pay, but to avoid causing trouble, he agreed to pay. However, he wouldn't use any of the money from the collection to sustain the disciples; instead, he told Peter to go fishing and said the first fish he caught would contain a coin that would be enough to pay for both of their taxes. This tax was not the Roman tax, but a tax for the use of the temple to help maintain it. If Jesus hadn't paid it, it would have caused an uproar in the community, and it wasn't quite time for that.
Jesus didn't just hand Peter the money or collect it from an angel. Since it was Peter's job to catch fish, Jesus had him work to get it. However, he made it a little easier for him since he only had to catch one fish with a hook and collect the coin from its mouth. Though it is not written in the Bible, you could say that his story teaches that God helps those who help themselves. In case you are wondering, there is a verse in scripture that says, "If you don't work, you don't eat," written by Paul.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
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