The answer is: Levi

Mark 2:14-15

In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a striking moment when Jesus chooses to dine with Levi, a tax collector—a group often frowned upon in society at that time for their perceived corruption and collaboration with Roman authorities. This action isn't just a casual dinner invitation; it significantly reflects Jesus' broader mission of reaching out to the marginalized and the outcast. Levi's house becomes a place of transformation and acceptance.

What's fascinating here is the significance of eating together in ancient cultures. Sharing a meal was a powerful sign of fellowship and acceptance. By dining with publicans and sinners—a rather motley crew—Jesus challenges societal norms. He isn’t distraught over reputations; instead, he is passionately involved in connecting with those deemed unworthy.

In the prophetic tradition, eating with marginalized people imitates the ways of figures like the prophet Jeremiah, who often shared meals and engaged with the outcasts of society (think about Jeremiah 16:8). Furthermore, this event ties neatly into the overarching narrative we see fulfilled in many biblical stories, where those who are overlooked—like the woman at the well or the Samaritan man—are elevated.

This encounter fortifies the universal love and openness placed at the heart of the gathering narrative within Christian teachings—a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, appreciated, and included, regardless of societal labels. So the story of Levi isn’t just historical; it's contemporary, inviting us all to consider who sits at the tables we frequent.