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Mark 2:15 “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.”PUBLICANS & SINNERS — PROPERLY UNDERSTOODJesus was not roaming about to join sinners in their sinful settings.The text is clear: they came to Him.He sat at meat in His house, and many publicans and sinners came there and sat with Him and His disciples. This was not a party atmosphere—it was a gathering around Christ.These were not people seeking indulgence; they were people who had begun to follow Him.The Scripture itself explains why they were there: “for there were many, and they followed him.”They came because they were drawn by His call, not because He affirmed their sin.This fits perfectly with Jesus’ own invitation:Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”Sinners came to Christ to be changed, not to be comforted in their sin.Jesus received them—but He never left them as He found them.