This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 17:24-27, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, Jesus and his friends came to a town called Capernaum. When they arrived, some people who collected a special kind of money called “two-drachma tax” asked Peter if Jesus paid it. Peter said “yes” and went to tell Jesus.
Jesus asked Peter, “When kings want money, who do they take it from? Their sons or other people?” Peter said, “They take it from other people.” Jesus said, “Right, then the sons don’t have to pay. But we don’t want to upset these people, so go to the sea, catch a fish, and inside its mouth, you’ll find a shekel. Take it and give it to the tax collectors for both of us.”
Peter did what Jesus asked and found the coin in the fish’s mouth! He was amazed and went to give the money to the tax collectors, just like Jesus had said.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus is wise and knows what to do in every situation.
- We should respect and obey the laws of our government.
- Jesus cares about our everyday needs and can provide for them in miraculous ways.
- The miracle of finding the coin in the fish’s mouth shows us that nothing is impossible for God.
- Just like Peter trusted Jesus and did what he asked, we should also trust in Jesus and obey him.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon