Mark 2:13-17. While who can say for sure, it seems likely to me that Jesus knew the tax collector, Levi, the son of Alpheus, before he called him to 'follow me', and vice versa; it is likely that Levi also at least knew who Jesus was, had perhaps talked with him before, or had at least formed some kind of opinion of him, a favorable one no doubt. It also seems likely that he followed Jesus not because he hated his life as a tax collector and thought that Jesus could restore his reputation--for later on, when he is having Jesus to dinner at his house, all of his rowdie friends are still with him.
As in the previous verses, the Pharisees grouse about Jesus actions, again not to his face; and addressing them directly Jesus says to them that he has not come to call respectable people but those who outcasts--who are sick. Matthew knows that, even if it means leaving his lucrative tax office, he needs what Jesus has to offer; the pharisees don't think they need Jesus. Am I really aware, as Matthew was, of my need for Jesus? RS
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