Have you ever wished the world would stop spinning for a moment, giving you a chance to process something before demanding you get back to it?

Have you ever had to move from a very serious and sad moment to dealing with the everyday affairs of life?

This happened to Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples.  While all the disciples were in Galilee with Jesus, He spoke to them.

Matthew 17:22 Now, while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

Jesus has just informed His disciples that He is about to be betrayed and will be put to death, but He lets them know He will be raised to life again three days later.  It tells us how this made them feel.  They were exceedingly sorrowful.  Not just a little sorrowful but exceedingly so.

Then, after they arrive in Capernaum, Peter is approached by the temple tax collectors.

Matthew 17:24  When they came to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?”  25 He said, “Yes.”

And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Can you imagine? Peter is probably still trying to process the idea that Jesus said He would be betrayed and die, and these tax collectors are expecting to collect taxes from Jesus and challenging Peter about it.

I love that Jesus knows Peter is concerned about their perceptions of him and is willing to help Peter find peace.  Peter did not mention the tax matter to Jesus, Jesus anticipated it.  In other words, Jesus already knew about it and how Peter felt about it.  In like manner, Jesus knows when we are in a difficult place brought on by something significant happening to us and sees how the things of life will continue to come at us.  He cares.

I love the simple solution Jesus has for the occasion.  Although Jesus knows Peter’s concerns, Jesus does not pass on the opportunity for it to be a lesson in faith and trust. The solution is a simple one, but it requires childlike faith to possess it.  Jesus sends Peter to do something he enjoys and relaxes him, such as go fishing.  The challenge is to believe that the first fish he catches is to check in its mouth for the money to pay the temple tax for both Jesus and himself.

Sometimes, when life is coming at us fast and hard with all its demands, Jesus will tell us to do something that allows us a moment to relax and unwind, and He will show us the solution. It can be difficult to hear His solution when we are anxious and hurried, but Jesus cares, and if we approach with childlike faith, He will show us a simple solution to our problem.  If you have a problem or a concern, take it to Jesus and let Him speak to you about it.  What He tells you might challenge your faith in Him, but it will bring you peace.