Read Mark 2:13-17
Jesus' reputation with the scribes and Pharisees goes from bad to worse with this encounter. He called Levi (Matthew), a tax collector to follow him. Tax collectors were looked down on by the religious elite. The tax collectors were seen as folks who had sold their souls to Rome. Total sell outs. Tax collectors were also feared and hated by the peasants who were constantly harassed and often cheated by them. Ignoring all stereotypes and fears, Jesus invited one to be become a follower. And Levi responds positively to leave his business and follow Jesus. Levi even invited Jesus to a party in his home with many of Levi's social group (other tax collectors and so called sinners). The Pharisees were appalled at Jesus' acceptance and association with these traitors and sinners.
In a simple response to the criticism, Jesus said, "I have come not for the well and righteous (folks who feel as if they have it all figured out with God), but to the sick and sinners (ones who had given up hope that God would care about them)."
Going against conventional wisdom and theology of his day, Jesus portrayed God as one who deeply cares for all. And "all" is a really big category!
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