Comment: Somewhere in my reading, I came across the notion that "executive diseases" like ulcers and headaches were common in Jesus' time among the bureaucrats. With a lead like that, a dimension was added to a story sermon.

Again, the pastor and a lay person speaking from the other side of the sanctuary (at a lectern, perhaps) could conduct the following verbal "correspondence." Or, maybe the pastor could stay out of this completely and turn it over to the laity.

Matthew 9:9-13

Jerusalem, March 18, 13th year of Caesar TiberiusOffice of the Regional Tax Administrator, Antonius Marcellus

To: Chief Tax Collector of the Tiberius region,Malchus bar Joachim

Dear Mal,

It is a wonder that old Thaddeus lived long enough to retire. The Zealots pick off about one tax collector a year around here. En…