And it happened that, as Jesus was reclining at the table in his house, now, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
This passage describes how Jesus was sitting at the table in Matthew’s house, and many tax collectors and “sinners” joined them. Jesus often spent time with people who were despised by society, which, as we will see next, angered the religious leaders of his time. This meeting shows Jesus’ mission: to reach everyone, including those who were considered sinners. Jesus did not avoid such people; on the contrary, he associated with them, showing that God’s mercy and salvation are available to all who believe and repent.