The answer is: Peter

Matt 17:24-27

In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 17:24-27, we witness a fascinating encounter that intertwines the everyday lives of Jesus and his disciples with divine provision. Here, Peter is approached about paying the temple tax, which was quite a common expectation for Jewish males. Yet, Jesus cleverly addresses this with a miracle! He instructs Peter to throw a hook into the sea, where he will catch a fish containing a coin, enough to cover both their temple dues.

This moment is notable, not just for its miracle, but also for what it reveals about Jesus’ relationship with Peter. It blends heavenly authority with down-to-earth practicality since managing taxes and obligations was part of life in those times. The coin, believed to be a stater—worth about four drachmas—was enough to pay the tax required from both Jesus and Peter.

Interestingly, this story echoes a broader theme throughout the Scriptures: God’s extraordinary provision in the midst of ordinary circumstances. Remember the Feeding of the 5,000, where a few fish and bread became a feast? Just as God provided in that situation through simple means, here He does so again.

Peter, a fisherman by trade, must have appreciated the familiarity of the instructions to catch fish. It's a reminder that divine support often comes wrapped in the frame of our daily lives, inviting us to recognize the miraculous amidst routine.