Matthew 17:24-27  Taxes... no one likes to deal with them!  But we all have to, and Jesus did too.
Notice that the collectors come to Peter and not Jesus.  I wonder what their tone of voice was.
Were they accusing?  Were they timid? Were they demanding?  or were they just asking?
Peter simply answers, "Yes".  But, perhaps he didn't know the answer either.  For Jesus speaks to Peter before he can even ask.  The taxes are supposed to be for the strangers, not for sons, Jesus reveals.
In Exodus 30 the Lord instructed Moses to take a census of the people.  Anyone over 20 was to contribute half a shekel. This money was considered a "ransom".  It was given to the Lord "to make atonement for yourselves."  The atonement money was given to the "service of the tent".  Later, after the exile,  Nehemiah wrote, "We placed ourselves under obligation to contribute yearly one third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God..... for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and all the work of the house of our God." ( Neh. 10:32-33)  Jesus was about to become the Atonement offering for all of mankind.  He was the King, yet He was being asked to pay a tax.  And He willingly paid it!
Jesus sends Peter, the fisherman, down to the sea.  Peter was to use a hook and not a net. He was to catch one fish and open its mouth.  There he would find a shekel. It would be the exact amount needed to pay for both of them.  What an interesting way to pay taxes!

God can supply all of our needs with just the same kind of power and authority.  He is the Lord of creation and nothing is too hard for Him.  I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus chooses to help in every aspect of our lives.  Big things and small.  Fair or unfair.  I am thankful that He was willing to become my atonement offering!

Father,  You are good.  Sometimes we forget that You are ruler of ALL!  We hesitate to come to you for the little things.  We fail to use the shield of faith that You have given us and wonder why we are getting hit by the fiery darts.  You sent Your beloved Son to become the atonement offering for our sins.  What amazing grace!  How much more You are able to give us all things,  richly to enjoy, in Christ our Savior.  You are the provider of daily bread.  Give us today, that which we need.  Forgive us and lead us into righteousness, Father.  Deliver us from the evil one and his fiery darts.  You are King over all the earth and we bow to You alone.  Jesus, thank You for being willing to humble Yourself before man, for man's sake.  Help us to humble ourselves before the throne of Almighty God and truly worship You.  Amen

"... we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power according to His glorious might for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." ( Col. 1:9-12)