The answer is: Levi

Mark 2:14-15

Imagine stepping into a first-century home filled with rich aromas, laughter, and lively conversation. This is exactly what it was like at Levi's dinner table. Levi, known to many as Matthew—a tax collector turned follower of Jesus—opened his home to Jesus and his new friends, which included those labeled as publicans and sinners.

Tax collectors often faced hard stigma in their society. They were seen as sellouts and traitors, collaborating with the oppressive Roman authorities and exploiting their own people. So, why were these individuals gravitating toward Jesus? Well, he embodied acceptance and compassion in ways that shattered societal norms. Jesus wasn’t about putting people into boxes or redefining them by their past. Instead, he celebrated connection and the deeper spirit of community.

Interestingly, tax collectors themselves represented a fascinating intersection in Jewish culture. They were despised yet necessary, acting as a bridge between the suffering Jews and the ruling Romans. So when Jesus associated with Levi's circle, he showcased an alternative ethos—ancelitating the clan-like social barriers that often defined their world.

Levi's transformation from a tax collector to one of Jesus’ closest disciples echoes across the ages, reinforcing the theme that forgiveness and the possibility of renewal reside in everyone—regardless of past mistakes. It reminds us that, truly, when others view you as 'sinner,' it could simply mean you're on the path to becoming something much greater!