Breaking the Word

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him. (Lk 9:7-9)

Jesus’ preaching and activities were very much like that of John the Baptist. Many thought that Jesus continued the activities of John the Baptist. This was also because Jesus started his ministry only when John had completed or only after John had died. This was the reason why they believed that John had been raised from the dead.

Jesus’ preaching and activities were like that of the prophets in general. He was preaching about the belief in one God and equality and justice among people. Equality and justice should make the people one. In effect Jesus was trying to make the people as the Israelites when they left Egypt. When the people came out of Egypt they came out with one slogan: one people, one God.

Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. Now the same preaching and same activities are seen in the person of Jesus. This was the reason why Herod believed that it was John the Baptist. Herod was planning to see Jesus because he wanted to make sure for himself whether what he believed was true. 

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."  (Mt 9:9-13)

Jesus saw many people on his way. He met many more. He healed all who were sick and those who were brought to him. But he called only few to follow him. There was a rich man who wanted to follow him and Jesus challenged him and at the end the rich youth did not follow Jesus. Here Jesus called Matthew who was sitting at the customs and hence he was a sinner.

Jesus sat at table in the house of Jesus with tax collectors and sinners. He entered into a table fellowship with the sinners. He did not take a moral stand as the Pharisees did. The Pharisees could not accept the fact that Jesus who was a teacher among people could do such a thing. Teachers in general associated with the good people and people of honour in the society.

Jesus was very clear about his mission and he was also clear about his option. His option was for the suffering. In the society there were groups of people who were suffering: poor, sinners, women, and the possessed. According to Jesus these people were the ones who needed his assistance more. And he could boldly say that he has come for these people.