The answer is: Levi

Mark 2:14-15

In Mark 2:14-15, we discover that Jesus had an unforgettable meal at Levi's house. Why is this significant? Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector—a profession often loathed in Jewish society because they were seen as traitors collaborating with the occupying Romans. By choosing to dine at Levi's, Jesus shook the very foundations of social norms. He boldly went where the "righteous" feared to tread, dining not just with the hated tax collectors but also with other sinners.

This act demonstrated compassion and a profound message: no one is beyond redemption. Jesus often used mealtime as a metaphor for inclusion; let’s think about the Last Supper, where even someone who would later betray him, Judas Iscariot, had a place at the table. It's a striking reminder that forgiveness and acceptance are available, making space for everyone—even those society might reject.

Now, did you know that local folklore might spice things up? It’s said that Levi’s house hosted many secret gatherings, symbolic of outreach beyond established norms. It highlights the idea of welcoming the marginalized, a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry.

Jesus' choice to share a meal with such a "notorious" crowd serves a dual purpose: it disrupts societal boundaries while enhancing the message of love that permeates his teachings. Levi's transformation from tax collector to disciple exemplifies how profound encounters can shift lives, echoing the enduring grace many continue to seek today.