Matthew tells us that after his own calling, he hosted a feast for Jesus:
“Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (Matthew 9:10–13)
Mark gives the same account, adding that there were many sinners who followed Him:
“Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.” (Mark 2:15)
Luke records it as well:
“Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (Luke 5:29–32)
By eating with sinners, Jesus showed that He didn’t come to isolate Himself from the broken, but to seek and save them. Table fellowship in Jewish culture was a sign of acceptance and relationship, and by sharing meals with outcasts, Jesus revealed that God’s grace was extended to all who would repent and believe. He did not condone their sin but offered them forgiveness and transformation. His actions were in direct contrast with the Pharisees, who separated themselves from such people, proving that mercy and redemption were at the heart of His mission.
