Mark 2:15

Mark 2:15, in plain English

Later, Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, and many tax collectors and other outcasts were eating with Him and His disciples—because many of them had started following Jesus.

Why it's here

In that culture, eating with someone meant you accepted them. Jesus sat down at a table full of people that respectable society had written off. He wasn't just tolerating them—He was enjoying a meal with them.

Who's speaking

Mark describes the scandalous dinner party at Levi's home, where Jesus dined with social outcasts.

Where it sits in the story

This dinner party was a scandal to the religious elite and a revelation to everyone else. Jesus wasn't keeping His distance from messy people—He was pulling up a chair.

The scholarly reading

Jesus reclined at table (katakeisthai) in Levi's house with many tax collectors and sinners (telōnai kai hamartōloi), along with His disciples, as many such people were following Him.

Language and setting

Table fellowship in Jewish culture signified acceptance and solidarity. By eating with 'tax collectors and sinners'—a stock phrase for social and religious outcasts—Jesus was making a powerful statement about the inclusive nature of the kingdom.

Voice

Mark narrates the dinner scene at Levi's house, emphasizing the controversial guest list.

Significance

Levi's farewell dinner became a microcosm of Jesus' kingdom vision: a table open to everyone, regardless of social status or moral reputation. The large number of followers among the outcasts indicates that Jesus' ministry was already attracting the marginalized.

13Once again Jesus went out beside the sea. All the people came to Him, and He taught them there.

14As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him.

15While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him.

16When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

17On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Read all of Mark 2 — Jesus forgives sins, eats with outcasts, and lets his disciples skip fasting. The religious leaders can barely keep up with the offenses.