At this time of year, there are two types of people: those who have already completed their taxes and those who dread starting the process. Take heart: taxes are something that even Jesus dealt with! In Matthew 17:25-27, Jesus asks Peter, “From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or others?” Peter replies that they take it from others, and Jesus declares, “Then the sons are free.” (ESV)
Jesus, even as the Son of God, decides to pay the temple tax to avoid offending the religious leaders collecting the temple census tax. (Exodus 30:11-16) To make this tax payment, Jesus doesn’t need to look at the boxes on his W-2 or 1099 and fill out a 1040 to calculate his payment. He knows what is owed, about 11 grams or 2/5 oz of silver. Instead, Jesus tells Peter to go fishing, for the first fish that Peter catches would have a coin in its mouth to pay their taxes.
When I think about what Jesus asked Peter to do in this Gospel account, I notice that he didn’t tell Peter to use his vocation to work as a side job or “hustle” to earn extra income. Peter did not need to go do a bunch of extra work or work many additional hours. He instead threw out a line with a hook and waited for the Lord to provide as he promised.
What is extremely interesting to me is that Jesus used Peter’s vocation to do something miraculous: Peter was commanded to fish as a means to witness the Lord’s miraculous and perfect provision in his life. Jesus provided Peter with a single fish that had a coin in its mouth. God met Peter’s need to pay these taxes through his vocation.
God can miraculously provide for us in our daily lives, through our daily tasks, when we act in obedience and listen to his voice. I hope you have seen God’s miraculous provision for you this last year, even as you pay your taxes!
I am thankful for the Lord’s provision for our workers and projects through your sacrificial, generous, faithful donations. Thanks to your continued partnership, all WMPL workers received full support in January. Please continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest field. Thanks for your prayers and financial support.
GOD’S PROVISION – JANUARY 2025
| ALLOWANCE: Designated Support Funds: | $40,061 |
| General Support Fund: | $21,510 |
| Transfer from General Fund: | $0 |
| BENEFITS: Designated Support Funds: | $16,208 |
| Transfer from Estate Fund: | $0 |
| Donations to Benefits Fund: | $75 |
| Number of full-time worker units: | 24 |
| Worker Units with 100% allowance | 24 |
| Minimum allowance provided: | 100% |