Covered in the Dust
" As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. " -Matthew 9:9 Jesus had been turned away. He had healed a man possessed by demons, and the people of that town were so scared, and perhaps angry at the loss of their herd of pigs, that they sent him away. And so, Jesus returned to Capernaum. The sun hangs low in the sky, the air is thick with hot moisture, and the smell of fish in inescapable. Most people are getting ready to close up shop. The peak hours are past, and dinner with friends and family is all anyone can think about. Jesus is likely on his way to Peter’s house for the night when he and his disciples pass a paralytic man being carried home from a day of begging. Jesus sees him and responds, "Take heart son, your sins are forgiven." Those walking by take mental note, and pronounce judgment on Christ in their hearts. Jesus senses their disapproving loo