Mark 2:15-17
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 15: “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.”
Jesus dined at Levi’s house. Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society. They were seen as traitors and sinners. Despite this, many tax collectors and sinners joined Jesus. This shows Jesus’ willingness to associate with the marginalized. His message attracted a diverse group of followers.
Verse 16: “When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?'”
The Pharisees were strict adherents to Jewish law. They were shocked to see Jesus eating with sinners. In their view, associating with sinners made one unclean. They questioned Jesus’ disciples about his actions. This highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders.
Verse 17: “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
Jesus responded directly to the Pharisees. He used a simple analogy. Just as a doctor is needed by the sick, Jesus came for sinners. He emphasized his mission to save those who recognize their need for repentance. This statement underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry.