FRIDAY 3rd MARCH - MARK 2:1-17

Jesus chose a tax collector. Tax collectors weren't trusted. Tax collectors were hated. I've heard it said that it was because they were employed by the Romans. However, Matthew (Levi) was from Capernaum in Galilee which was governed by the Herods. His tax booth would have been on Galilee's border with the neighbouring territory. He would have collected taxes as people crossed the border with goods. He was mistrusted and hated just because people love money. Matthew is the only disciple who's job is continually referred to - it seems as though he can't shake it off - Jesus even refers to "sinners and tax collectors" whilst Matthew was right next to him. When Jesus was described as the 'good shepherd', that phrase was seen as an oxymoron - maybe Matthew the 'good tax collector' was another 'in-joke' amongst Jesus and his disciples. Does my job define me? I hope not. Although I do hope that I do my job in a way that makes people occasionally think of me as the 'good teacher'. What turns a tax collector into a 'good tax collector'? What turns a teacher into a 'good teacher'? - Jesus is usually the answer to questions like this, but what does that mean? Trusting that his message of putting others first, loving your neighbour and turning the other cheek ACTUALLY works? Then getting on with putting others first, loving your neighbour and turning the other cheek.