A controversial figure. The city was buzzing with talk about this Rabbi who called himself the Son of Man. There were reports of signs and wonders. It is true that he was not the only healer who would be followed by desperate people and we were not surprised at the crowds who gathered around him. What was causing extra excitement was the controversy surrounding his words. Before he even addressed the sickness of that paralyzed man, he stunned all his listeners by telling the man
‘Your sins are forgiven.’
That blasphemy stirred some of the Scribes into fury. True, the discussion was lost in the wonder of what followed, when the Rabbi told that man to rise and walk, but for me the words of forgiveness were beautiful. I longed to hear those words spoken to me.
Follow me
I was a part of a small and extremely unpopular group at that time. My friend Matthew, who was like an older brother to me, had told me some time ago that he had been recruited into service as a tax collector. At the time I was appalled. No one wanted him in their homes, and his family disowned him as a traitor to his own people. I met up with him after dark one night as we both knew that I too would be shunned by my community if I were seen with him. The meeting was repeated though and gradually I came to appreciate his reasons for accepting such an unpopular role. He could enjoy some of the fine things, he dressed well and enjoyed fine food and wine and there were some beautiful women who were not at all afraid to meet him. I entered the underground party life of those who were despised by respectable people and found that they had a culture of their own which came with benefits. I was gifted and educated and in time I too was offered and accepted a post collecting taxes for Rome.
Two years later I saw a change in my friend Matthew’s conduct. I know that he had seen the Rabbi and was fascinated. He told me what he had heard from the people who had witnessed his miracles and heard his teaching. Sometimes I would find him gazing out from his tax booth and I wondered what, or who, he was waiting for. And then came the moment which changed everything.
All that happened was that a passerby spoke to him. Jesus, the Rabbi, passed by his booth and paused to say just two words.
‘Follow me’
Immediately Matthew went with him.
Many tax collectors and sinners came
In the days that followed word went round our little community of the disreputable. So, when Jesus arrived to dine with Matthew one evening, a colourful group of well-dressed men with some of the women who also lived beyond the boundary of respectable life, approached the house. Jesus did not move from his couch but held out his arms in welcome. I looked at Matthew and saw the tears streaming onto his beard. I looked at this unusual teacher and saw no trace of judgment in his eyes. Only love. I too began to weep because at that moment the only person who judged me was myself and I did so because of the love I felt from Jesus.
Then the Pharisees arrived and the murmuring began between them and the disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Healing
The Teacher’s expression changed as he rounded on them.
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’… ‘ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I doubt that the paralyzed man felt any more joy as he rose and walked than I did at that moment of the healing of my soul. Many of us were healed then and gave our lives, love and loyalty to Jesus.
