Mark 2:13–17 — The Call of Grace

Who deserves a seat at Jesus’ table? Jesus not only calls a hated tax collector to follow him — he reclines at his table, offering intimate fellowship to the outcasts everyone else avoided.

Originally preached to Ekklesia Churches by Dan on June 1, 2025.

This message from Mark 2:13–17 dives deep into the grace-filled call of Jesus, showing that no one earns a place with him — and yet all who follow are fully welcomed. As Jesus calls Levi, later known as Matthew, he reveals a Gospel that turns religious assumptions upside down. Those who know they're sick, not the self-righteous, are the ones who receive healing and forgiveness.

Teaching Highlights:

• Jesus calls the unqualified — not based on merit, but grace.

• He not only calls sinners, but welcomes them in.

• The table of Levi becomes the table of the Lord, a picture of Gospel fellowship.

• Jesus’ mission is clear: he came not for the righteous (which NONE of us are), but for sinners.

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