Scripture: Mark 2:13–17 (NASB)
And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them. As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he stood up and followed Him. And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating with tax collectors and sinners?” And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Audience of the Gospel of Mark
Mark is still writing to Roman Gentile believers—pragmatic and often outcast themselves. They would relate to Levi, a man seen as corrupt and beyond redemption. This passage, where Jesus calls Levi and eats with sinners, reinforces Jesus as a Savior who steps into the mess, not away from it.
Key Focus and Character of Jesus
This passage highlights Jesus’ radical grace and inclusiveness. He not only calls someone despised to follow Him, but also dines with him and his community. The character attribute of Jesus revealed here is that of a Merciful Friend of Sinners.
Person/People Jesus Interacted With
- Levi (also called Matthew), a tax collector.
- Many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus.
- Scribes of the Pharisees, who challenge Jesus’ choices.
What Happened?
Jesus is teaching by the sea when He spots Levi in his tax booth. With two words—”Follow Me”—Jesus rewrites Levi’s life. Levi immediately leaves his post and hosts a dinner where Jesus eats with many from his circle.
The Pharisees are offended. How can Jesus, a teacher and miracle worker, eat with such people? Jesus answers: “I didn’t come for the righteous, but for sinners.”
Mood of the Moment
There’s contrast: celebration and condemnation. While Levi and his friends rejoice in Jesus’ presence, the religious leaders are disturbed. This passage pulses with tension between grace and legalism.
What Jesus Said
“It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
These words redefine holiness—not as isolation from sinners, but presence among them to bring healing.
Response of Others
- Levi responded immediately with obedience and generosity.
- The tax collectors and sinners accepted Jesus’ welcome and followed Him.
- The religious leaders responded with judgment and indignation.
Lesson for Us in 2026
- Jesus sees potential in outcasts: Levi was written off by society, but not by Jesus. Are there areas of your life where you’ve believed you’re unqualified? Jesus still says, “Follow Me.”
- Grace looks messy to the religious: Expect backlash when you embrace people others reject. Jesus did.
- Our tables can become mission fields: Levi used what he had—a table, a network—to bring people to Jesus. What’s in your hand?
In a world obsessed with status, Jesus walks straight to the rejected—and reclines with them.
