Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Mark 2:15. It’s a really important passage about Jesus and how he interacts with people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus was enjoying a meal with a group of people – publicans (people who were considered outcasts or morally wrong) and sinners – while he was teaching and sharing his message. Here's a more detailed explanation: “As Jesus sat at meat”: This means he was eating a regular meal. It wasn’t a special occasion, just a normal thing to do. “…in his house”: He was in a private place, like a home, where people could see him and talk to him. “Many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples:” This is the key part! "Publicans" and "sinners" were people who weren't considered right in Jewish society – they didn’t follow the rules, they were often shunned or looked down upon. So, these people were there simply because they were present. “For there were many”: This emphasizes the large group. It wasn’t just a few people; it was a significant crowd. “And they followed him.” This is the most important part – Jesus was attracting people to him. He was inviting them to spend time with him, to hear his teachings, and to experience his message of love and compassion. What’s the significance? The verse shows that Jesus wasn't just teaching in a formal setting. He was connecting with people who were often marginalized and rejected by society. It highlights that Jesus cared about everyone, regardless of their background or status. Why is this important? This story is considered one of the earliest examples of Jesus’ ministry – it shows his power to attract people to him and to show them a path of love and forgiveness. It's often seen as a foundational moment in how Jesus established his message and influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story (when and where did it happen)? Talk about what this passage teaches us about Jesus’ teachings?