“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. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ 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).
It is absolutely true that Jesus ate with tax collectors. It is absolutely true that prostitutes and men and women of questionable sexual practice found themselves in the company of Jesus.
The tax collectors and sinners seem comfortable around Jesus.
It is absolutely true that tax collectors and sinners were loved by Jesus.
However, Jesus did not eat with tax collectors and sinners because he wanted to be inclusive, tolerant, and accepting. Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners to call them to repentance. If we miss that we miss the whole point of the cross.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. That’s why Jesus ate with sinners. That’s why you and I have hope.
If you are a sinner, Jesus is great news!
Praxis: Faith in Action 