Blurry Vision

You may have heard the one about the taxman of Jesus’ time taking money from the poor and that left them with little money for food or other stuff. He goes to church. Feels guilt, prays with a sad heart.

And the religious member of the church looks down on the tax man as if he were not worth being there, and knowing (in his mind) that the tax man would not be seen in good favour by God, he would also not see himself as guilty as the tax collector.

The religious man could not see clearly due to his supposed higher ranking in life given to him (he assumes by God.

(I remember about 15 years ago talking with a Pastor who kept demanding his way while another church member and I tried to make him see our side, and he kept chanting, “God made me the Pastor, God favoured me…” and so on – there was no getting through to him our thoughts or views.)

In church for the religious man, titled, proud, looking down on others, when he collects the money he is firm that the rich and poor give their 10% regardless of their wealth or situation in life, and that the poor should feel that it is a great honour to give to God rather than feed their own children, and the money given is used by this religious man who looks down on the tax man for his own food and life expenses.

When the tax man entered the church to pray his heart was heavy, but he was working for a wage to feed his family. He has pain in his heart.