Mark 2:13-17

Jesus chose Levi, a tax collector Mark 2:13-17: Next we observe Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. Crowds always came, many to be healed and some to hear and learn. As He walked along He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus. Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector. When Jesus called him he rose and followed Him. He would become an apostle and write a gospel that bears his name. Jesus was invited into Levi's house for a meal. Many tax collectors and other sinners that had become followers of Jesus were also guests at the dinner.

The Pharisees saw this and continued their criticism of Jesus. They asked, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" These self-righteous people felt that the Lord should not lower Himself to the social rank of eating with such people. If these critics were as righteous as they claimed they would have realized that "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." It is the sinner that needs the Savior. These people knew that they were sinners. The Pharisees were blind to the fact that they also were lost.