Tax Collector

A tax collector (in the New Testament times) was the most hated person in the society. He had to hear the filthiest words charged to him. He was not necessarily a cruel exploiter of people. He collected taxes for Rome. The Roman system ruled with power and illtreated all under them.

 
Mathew may have been hated by all. For Jesus, he was not a man to be hated. Jesus' gaze entered the prison that Mathew was thrown into. His love lifted the yoke that Mathew carried. He was led to liberation, and his days were turned holy. The despised found a home in the house of Mathew to find healing of compassion.

The tax booth was more open to Christ than the temple quarters. The custodians of God killed the anointed one.