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
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
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
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
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
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon