The answer is: Peter

Matt 17:24-27

In Matthew 17:24-27, we find a rather intriguing story that features Peter, which demonstrates Jesus' miraculous abilities and offers insights into the relationship between money, faith, and the temple's obligations. Just a brief background: this event occurs right after Jesus tells Peter about his true identity and mission. The temple tax collectors approach Peter, asking if Jesus pays the temple tax. Jesus, knowing thoughts and future events, calmly tells Peter to catch a fish. This is not just any fish; it will have a coin in its mouth, enough to cover both Jesus' and Peter's taxes.

Now, isn’t it fascinating how this simple story reflects deeper themes? First, it shows that Jesus is aware of societal expectations, like paying taxes, but also wants to show that his divine authority transcends them. It's an instance where ordinary things - in this case, fishing - are capable of revealing the extraordinary nature of the divine.

Also, this moment hints at the belief among early Christians that God would provide for all their needs, sometimes in ways that seemed inconceivable. Coincidentally, in the Biblical world, fish often symbolize abundance and divine provision. Did you know that in early Christian iconography, the fish represented Jesus himself (the acronym ICHTHUS means 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior')? This fish miracle could carry echoes of such rich symbolism. It's a reminder that sometimes, faith and provision can swim into our lives unexpectedly!