Matthew 9:10
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to focus on the "sinners" and "tax collectors" present, but the text subtly highlights Jesus' own disciples. They are present not as passive observers, but as actively "reclining with" Jesus, indicating they too were part of this inclusive fellowship, bridging the gap between their new life in Christ and their former associations. This shows that following Jesus doesn't mean abandoning everyone you once knew, but rather bringing the light of Christ into those relationships.
This scene unfolds at a meal hosted by Matthew, likely as a farewell to his former life as a tax collector. Many of his old associates, also tax collectors and people considered "sinners" by religious society, show up and recline at the table with Jesus and his disciples. This gathering, and Jesus's willingness to associate with such a crowd, immediately sets the stage for the religious leaders' criticism that follows in the next verses.
Why does Matthew, the author of this Gospel, downplay his own role in this pivotal moment?
The Gospel writers, especially Matthew, display remarkable humility. While Luke and Mark tell us Matthew (also called Levi) hosted this meal, Matthew himself simply says, 'as Jesus reclined at table in the house.' He doesn't mention he gave the feast or invited his former colleagues. This isn't accidental. It reflects Jesus' teaching on humility and serving others without seeking recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). Matthew's silence speaks volumes about his transformed heart, eager to point to Jesus, not himself.
Who were these 'tax collectors and sinners,' and why was their presence with Jesus so shocking?
The 'tax collectors' (publicans) were despised in Jewish society. They worked for the Roman oppressors, often extorting money and were seen as collaborators and corrupt. The 'sinners' were those considered morally lax or openly violating religious laws. For Jesus to dine with them was scandalous. It broke social and religious boundaries. To the Pharisees, this association meant Jesus was impure by proximity. But Jesus saw them differently: not as irredeemable, but as spiritually 'sick' and in need of a physician.
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What does Jesus' willingness to share a meal reveal about his mission?
Jesus' act of reclining with tax collectors and sinners wasn't just a meal; it was a powerful statement of his mission. He was deliberately crossing social and religious divides to show God's inclusive love. This wasn't about endorsing their lifestyle, but about reaching them with the Kingdom of God. He was demonstrating that no one is beyond God's reach or grace. His presence among the outcasts signaled that the 'healthy' weren't his primary concern, but the 'lost' were his main objective.
Understand the original words
hamartōlos · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those who violate God's law. In the Gospels, this term often describes those excluded from religious society, emphasizing the need for repentance and God's grace toward the outcast.
This meal was more than just a social gathering; it was a deliberate act by Jesus to associate with the outcasts of society, directly challenging the religious establishment's exclusivity and demonstrating his mission to call sinners to repentance.
c. 20 BC - AD 20
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Empire exerts political and economic control over Judea. Roman governors and local rulers, like Herod the Great and his successors, collect taxes to fund Roman administration and infrastructure, leading to resentment among the Jewish population.
Early 1st century AD
The Rise of Tax Collectors
Tax collectors (publicans) are employed by the Romans to gather taxes from the Jewish people. This role is deeply unpopular, as they are often seen as collaborators with the oppressors and are known for their corrupt and greedy practices.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Begins His Ministry
Jesus starts his public ministry, teaching, healing, and calling disciples throughout Galilee. His message often challenges the religious and social norms of the time.
c. AD 28— this verse
Matthew's Call and Great Banquet
Jesus calls Matthew (also known as Levi), a tax collector, to be one of his disciples. Matthew, in gratitude, hosts a large banquet in his home, inviting Jesus, his disciples, and many of his former associates: other tax collectors and 'sinners'.
c. AD 28
Pharisaic Condemnation
Pharisees and their scribes observe Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners and openly question his disciples about his association with such people, viewing it as a violation of religious purity laws.
This passage from Luke directly parallels Matthew's account, emphasizing that the feast was hosted by Levi (Matthew) and describing the 'great company' of tax collectors and others present, highlighting Jesus' willingness to dine with those on the fringes of society.
Luke 15:1-2These verses show the Pharisees grumbling about Jesus receiving and eating with sinners, which is the exact context for Matthew 9:10. It reveals the 'why' behind the Pharisees' criticism and Jesus' famous response about the physician and the sick.
Matthew 11:19Jesus calls himself 'a friend of tax collectors and sinners' in response to accusations that he was too friendly with them. This directly echoes the scene in Matthew 9:10, affirming his mission to seek and save the lost.
Mark 2:15-17Mark's Gospel also records this event, noting that 'many' tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, and they followed him. This version emphasizes their response to Jesus' presence and invitation.
barnesMatthew 9:10: "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples."
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house - This was at a feast given to him by "Levi" or "Matthew," Luke 5:29 . This is another circumstance favorable to Matthew, but omitted by him, and recorded by Luke; showing also that the apostles were averse to praising themselves. To receive Christ hospitably and kindly was a commendable ac…
meyerMatthew 9:10: "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples."
Matthew 9:10 . Ἐγένετο … καί ] see note on Luke 5:12 . ἀνακειμένου ] In classical Greek, to recline at table is represented by κατακεῖσθαι , as frequently also in the N. T. ( Mark 2:15 ; Mark 14:3 ), though in Polybius, Athenaeus, and later writers ἀνακεῖσθαι , too, is by no means rare. Phrynichus, ed. Lobeck, p. 217. On the custom itself (with…
It's easy to focus on the "sinners" and "tax collectors" present, but the text subtly highlights Jesus' own disciples. They are present not as passive observers, but as actively "reclining with" Jesus, indicating they too were part of this inclusive fellowship, bridging the gap between their new life in Christ and their former associations. This shows that following Jesus doesn't mean abandoning everyone you once knew, but rather bringing the light of Christ into those relationships.
This scene unfolds at a meal hosted by Matthew, likely as a farewell to his former life as a tax collector. Many of his old associates, also tax collectors and people considered "sinners" by religious society, show up and recline at the table with Jesus and his disciples. This gathering, and Jesus's willingness to associate with such a crowd, immediately sets the stage for the religious leaders' criticism that follows in the next verses.
This scene unfolds at a meal hosted by Matthew, likely as a farewell to his former life as a tax collector. Many of his old associates, also tax collectors and people considered "sinners" by religious society, show up and recline at the table with Jesus and his disciples. This gathering, and Jesus's willingness to associate with such a crowd, immediately sets the stage for the religious leaders' criticism that follows in the next verses.
"And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples." — It's easy to focus on the "sinners" and "tax collectors" present, but the text subtly highlights Jesus' own disciples. They are present not as passive observers, but as actively "reclining with" Jesu…
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