Matthew 17:14-27
The worship of the Christian has the effect of transporting him in spirit "to the mountain top" in the company of the glorified Lord. Would that we might experience such moments more often! But it is also necessary for us to know how to descend again with Him into the midst of life’s circumstances in this world where Satan reigns. This is the experience which the disciples have to face here. The healing of the lunatic child is the opportunity for the Lord Jesus to emphasize the all-prevailing power of faith.
The scene in vv. 24-27 is both instructing and moving. Peter, always ready to take the lead without thinking, and forgetting the vision of glory and the voice of the Father, undertakes in the name of his Master to pay the temple tax. The Lord Jesus gently asks him if it ever happens that a king’s son pays taxes to his own father. (Simon had only shortly before this recognised Him as the Son of the living God). After making this point, the Lord tells Peter nevertheless to pay the money He does not owe. But at the same time He demonstrates His power: it is He who rules over the whole creation, including the fish of the sea (Psalms 8:6-8). And He shows also His love: He associates Himself with His weak disciple in paying for him too.