How should we treat offenders who refuse our attempts at reconciliation? Like pagans and tax collecters, according to Matthew's version of the gospel. How did Matthew understand this? Some Christian communities have practised a fearful regime of 'shunning' those who step out of line, but there is another possibility.
Traditionally, Matthew was himself a tax collecter. Perhaps this part of the gospel that bears his name should be understood as an encouragement to look more generously upon unpopular members of society. Who are today's outcasts? Is our treatment of them in any sense Christ-like?
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