The Gospel of MarkSample

In this section we see Jesus calling Matthew (Levi) to join Him and His friends having a meal (also recorded in Matthew 9:9-13 and Luke 5:27-32). In those days, people chose a Rabi or a teacher to follow, rabbis did not choose pupils. Imagine how Matthew felt when he was so despised by those around him for what he did in his job as a tax collector. Jesus WANTED him. Jesus calls each of us to follow Him. While most religions teach people to DO certain things to get to God, the Story of Jesus is uniquely about Him coming to us, calling us. We see that demonstrated in this passage when He calls Matthew and He chose to dine with the tax collectors and sinners. This infuriated the religious leaders.

In what ways does Jesus' choice to dine with tax collectors and sinners challenge societal norms, and what does this reveal about the inclusivity of the gospel message?