Let us observe^ in the next place, our Lord's almighty power over all creation. He makes a fish his paymaster. He makes a dumb creature bring the tribute-money to meet the collector's demand. Well says Jerome, " I know not which to admire most here, our Lord's foreknowledge, or His greatness."
We see here a literal fulfilment of the Psalmist's words, '" Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thine hands ; thou hast put all things under His feet ; — the fowl of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas." (Psalm viii. 6—8.)
Here is one among many proofs of the majesty and greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He only who first created, could at His will command the obedience of all His creatures. " By him were all things created. By Him all things consist." (Col. i. 16 — 18.) The believer who goes forth to do Christ's work among the heathen, may safely commit himself to his Master's keeping. He serves one who has all power, even over the beasts of the earth. How wonderful the thought, that such an Almighty Lord should condescend to be crucified for our salvation ! How comfortable the thought that when He comes again the second time. He will gloriously manifest His power over all created things to the whole world : " The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock : and dust shall be the serpent's meat." (Isaiah Ixv. 25.)
In the last place, let us observe, in these verses, our Lord's loillingness to make concessions, rather tlian give offence. He might justly have claimed exemption from