Commentary on Mark 2:13-17

13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and^[a] Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"

17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

Levi is Matthew who wrote the Gospel of Matthew. He is a Tax Collector appointed by Romans; most of them overcharged & kept money for themselves; despised by the Jews for cheating and for their support of Rome. Levi arose and followed Jesus right away. Then he wasted no time introducing Jesus to his friends. We shouldn't waste time once we meet Jesus to tell others about Him. You don't need to have the Bible memorized to share the Love of Christ with others!

Jesus loved the sinners and gladly associated with them because He knew they needed to hear what He had to say and that they were spiritually sick and in need of His healing touch. Jesus spent time with whoever wanted to hear His message - the good, the bad, the poor, the rich - whoever. We must also befriend those who need Christ. Even if they are not like us, and if they are neglected or have a bad reputation - they may be the very one God has put in your path to share the message of Christ's love & forgiveness with.

Parallel verses:

Matthew 18:11

11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost

Luke 19:10

10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

We are not to be yoked with unbelievers (tied to). Relationships with unbelievers should be for the purpose of leading them to Christ. Bad company corrupts good morals and we should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.

How do we expose darkness?

By setting an example and doing the RIGHT thing; standing up for what is right in God's eyes; loving the unlovable not laughing at a mean joke, being nice to the person everyone is picking on, being honest to your teachers & parents, keeping what people confide in you private, not gossiping, etc. Your good actions expose others' bad actions and bring conviction to them. You should not judge unbelievers and avoid them because they do not know any better. Instead set an example of Christ's love and ways. Share Christ with unbelieving friends and His forgiveness and love. Do not partake in their sin and if they ask you why not - tell them why!! Sin leads to destruction and you chose to honor God with your words & actions.

Spending time with unbelievers in hopes of leading them to Christ is doing what Jesus did. The Pharisees and legalists frowned upon it, as may some people today. They are wrong for judging and not setting a Christ-like example - not you! Remember don't hang out with unbelievers to do what they do, instead let your life become an epistle they can read to learn about your Father in Heaven and your Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Tim 2:22-26

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses andescape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.HiH