Single lesson
Peter and the Coin in the Fish
Matthew 17:24–27
This lesson helps children follow the short account of Peter, Jesus and the question about paying the didrachma. They will put the account in order, notice Jesus’ choice, and talk about what this passage shows about Jesus and wise actions.
Before you teach
In Capernaum, collectors of the didrachma coins ask Peter whether Jesus pays. Peter answers yes. Inside the house, Jesus speaks first and asks Peter a question about kings, children and strangers. Then Jesus tells Peter what to do so they will not cause others to stumble.
Students will be able to retell Matthew 17:24–27 in order and explain that Jesus chose a course that would avoid causing unnecessary stumbling.
Welcome: hear the question
5 minShow a coin and say that today’s story begins with a question about paying. Tell children to listen for who asks the question and who answers first. Read Matthew 17:24 aloud, then ask the group to identify the place, the collectors, Peter and the teacher they asked about.
Matthew 17:24
Read and explain: Jesus speaks before Peter tells him
7 minRead Matthew 17:25–26. Point out that Peter answers the collectors, then Jesus anticipates him in the house. Explain that Jesus asks Peter to think about kings of the earth, toll or tribute, children and strangers. Help children see Peter’s answer and Jesus’ conclusion: the children are exempt.
Matthew 17:25, Matthew 17:26
Discuss: why this choice?
6 minRead Matthew 17:27 carefully. Ask children to listen for Jesus’ instruction and reason. Explain simply that “lest we cause them to stumble” means Jesus chose not to create an unnecessary obstacle for others here. Notice the clear steps Jesus gives Peter: go, cast a hook, take the first fish, open its mouth, find a stater, and give it for both of them.
Matthew 17:27
Make and respond: sequence the account
8 minChildren make four simple sequence cards for the account, drawing one part on each card: the collectors ask, Jesus questions Peter, Peter answers about strangers, Jesus tells Peter to get a coin from the first fish and give it for them. As they arrange the cards, ask them to say what choice Jesus made and what Jesus told Peter to do next.
Matthew 17:24, Matthew 17:25, Matthew 17:26, Matthew 17:27
Closing: retell and remember
4 minInvite volunteers to retell the account in one or two sentences using their cards. Finish by repeating the main idea: Jesus knew what Peter had said, taught him with a question, and told Peter where the coin would be found and what to give so they would not cause stumbling in this situation.
Matthew 17:25, Matthew 17:26, Matthew 17:27
Questions to explore
Who asked Peter about the didrachma, and what answer did Peter give?
Look closely at the opening question and Peter’s one-word reply in the first two verses of the account.
Matthew 17:24, Matthew 17:25
What answer did Peter give to Jesus about who pays toll or tribute: children or strangers?
Read Jesus’ question and Peter’s reply, then connect it to Jesus’ statement that follows.
Matthew 17:25, Matthew 17:26
What reason did Jesus give for sending Peter to find the coin in the fish’s mouth?
Listen for the words at the start of Jesus’ instruction before the steps about the sea, hook and fish.
Matthew 17:27
Make, think or respond
Story Sequence Coin Cards
What you’ll need
- paper or scrap card
- pencils or crayons
- scissors
- one coin to show the class
Try it together
- Draw four simple cards showing the main parts of Matthew 17:24–27.
- Mix the cards and work in pairs to place them in the right order.
- Add a short label or key word to each card, such as ask, question, exempt, coin.
- Retell the account to a partner using the cards in sequence.
This activity helps children remember the order of the account and notice Jesus’ teaching and instruction in Matthew 17:24–27.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, prepare the four event titles orally and let them focus on drawing and ordering the scenes rather than writing labels.
- For older or confident readers, ask them to include Jesus’ reason from Matthew 17:27 and explain how it connects to the action he tells Peter to take.
An optional closing prayer
You might pray: “Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching Peter with wisdom. Please help us listen carefully to your words and act in ways that do not cause unnecessary stumbling for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Matthew 17
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?”
25 He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.