The answer is: Levi

Mark 2:14-15

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus' choice to dine with Levi—also known as Matthew, one of His disciples—opens a fascinating window into His mission. Levi was a tax collector, a profession generally despised in biblical times. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors who exploited their own people for Rome, making Jesus’ association with them shocking yet deeply telling.

When Jesus enters Levi’s house for dinner, it’s more than just a meal. It symbolizes the breaking down of societal barriers. Jesus wasn't interested in maintaining the status quo; He was about inviting people into community, regardless of their past or social standing. This act of sharing a table echoes the prophetic tradition in Hebrew scripture, where meals often represented acceptance and fellowship, accompanied by a broader message of divine love transcending societal limits.

Interestingly, the people present at the feast, labeled simply as “sinners,” represent those marginalized by their actions or reputations. The proximity of Jesus to them highlights His mission of redemption. Jesus says, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17), which serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their mistakes or labels, is included in the circle of grace.

This theme resonates throughout the New Testament. Similar invitations appear in stories like the Prodigal Son and the Samaritan woman at the well, emphasizing a universal truth: inclusion over exclusion is central to the message of compassion and understanding. Not only is everyone invited to the table, but given the welcome that can lead to transformative change and connection. Just imagine what it would have been like to be at that groundbreaking dinner!