The Calling of Matthew

In Mark Chapter 2, Jesus outrages His critics called the Pharisees by calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. Furthermore, Jesus then eats with Matthew and other equally “defiled” people according to the Pharisees. This story invites us to reflect on whether we are more like the “defiled” people of this story, or like those who criticized Jesus. Thankfully we will read about Jesus who brings healing and forgiveness to all, even well-known sinners and smug hypocrites. In Chapter Two of Mark, we learn of Jesus’ authority over sickness, sin, and critics.