Many of the miracles of Jesus prove that He has power over nature. He is the God of all creation. And yes, He is the God of the fish, and you’ll find that out in today’s devotion. Welcome to our series “The Miracles of Jesus Part 2”.

“Gayunman, para wala silang masabi sa atin, pumunta ka sa lawa at mamingwit ka. Kunin mo ang unang isdang mahuli mo, ibuka mo ang bibig niyon, at may makikita kang isang malaking salaping pilak. Kunin mo iyon at ibayad mo para sa buwis nating dalawa.”

Mateo 17:27

While Jesus was here on earth, He lived simply. When He healed people, He did it for free. He didn’t go around passing a collection basket every time He preached. It’s not surprising, therefore, that He lived in poverty. He didn‘t have money for any ambush tax collection, which incidentally happened to Him one day.

When He and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked if Jesus paid taxes. Peter said yes. When they were alone, Jesus talked to him about it. Instead of telling Peter, “Ask Judas to pay tax from our money bag,” He said something unusual. Jesus said, “Go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you‘ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us” (Matthew 17:27, The Message). The odds of this actually happening is greater than finding a needle in a haystack. In fact, it could only be a miracle, an evidence that Jesus is all-knowing and all-powerful.

First, Jesus knew that there was a fish with this coin at that particular moment. Out of all the hundreds of fish in the lake, alam Niya kung alin dito ang may coin. Second, He had complete power over nature. He is in control over all creation. Hindi lang Niya alam na mayroong isda na may coin sa bibig nito, inutusan din Niya ito na pumunta kung saan mamimingwit si Peter. Wasn’t this so much like how God ordered a large fish to swallow Jonah where the disobedient prophet spent three days and three nights? God rules over the fish — big or small — of the lakes, rivers, and the sea! And moreover, He watches over you and me.

If you’ve been encouraged by today’s devotion, do share it to a friend and tune in again tomorrow for the last part of our series “The Miracles of Jesus Part 2”.