Mark 2:15-16

Mark 2:15-16

[15] And  it came to pass,  that,  as Jesus  sat at meat  in  his  house,  many  publicans  and  sinners  also  together with  Jesus  and  his  disciples:  for  many,  and  they followed  him.  [16] And  when the scribes  and  Pharisees  him  eat  with  publicans  and  sinners,  unto his  disciples,  is it that  he eateth  and  with  publicans  and  sinners? 

What is the context of Mark 2:15-16?

What does Mark 2:15-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Eating a meal together meant something in Jesus" world that it does not mean today in the West. Hospitality was a sacred duty in the ancient Near East. When someone invited someone else to eat with him, he was extending a pledge of loyalty and protection to that person. To accept an invitation to dinner implied a willingness to become a close friend of the host. Jesus" acceptance of table fellowship with sinners (i.e, outcasts) conveyed by action the forgiveness that He gave verbally in Mark 2:5. [1]
"It was an offer of peace, trust, brotherhood and forgiveness; in short, sharing a table meant sharing life." [2]
This meal took place in Levi"s house ( Luke 5:29). Apparently he had a large house that accommodated the throng easily, which indicates that he had some wealth.
Normally the Jews of Jesus" day ate their meals seated. They only reclined on pillows or rugs when special guests were present or for festival meals. [3] Obviously Levi regarded Jesus" presence with him as a special occasion.
The antecedent of the "them" who followed Jesus is probably the tax gatherers and sinners, though it may be the disciples. The term "the scribes of the Pharisees" occurs nowhere else in the Gospels. These were teachers of the law who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees.
"The Pharisees were progressive, a party among, though not of, the people. Their goal was that Israel should become the righteous nation of the covenant. To this end they taught compliance with the "tradition of the elders," an oral code of conduct effectively adapting the law of Moses to later times and changing demands." [4]
Tax collectors had a bad reputation because they were often dishonest. [5] The term "sinners" refers to Jews who did not follow the Pharisees" traditions, as well as worse sinners. Jesus" critics believed that He should not associate with such people if He had a genuine regard for the Old Testament, as they professed to have. To do so risked ceremonial defilement.
". . . the Talmud distinguishes two classes of "publicans": the tax-gatherer in general (Gabbai), and the Mokhes, or Mokhsa, who was specially the douanier or custom-house official. Although both classes fall under the rabbinic ban, the douanier-such as Matthew was-is the object of chief execration." [6]