Definition: And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark. It's a really important one in understanding Jesus’ teachings! Here’s the explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus was teaching about loving your enemies and helping those who are bothering you. He was showing his followers that he was doing something very unusual – eating with people who were often disliked or treated poorly, like publicans (people who collected money for the temple) and sinners (people who were breaking the rules). What Happened Next: Several scribes and Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders) overheard this. They started to question him: “How can he eat and drink with these people? He’s clearly violating the laws of hospitality and showing favoritism!” They felt it was strange or even a bit disrespectful. The Meaning – It's About Love & Compassion: Jesus responded by saying, "Truly, I say to you, look after my tabernacle that this should be blessed.” He then continued with the following: “Why do you cast stones against me and tear out Father’s lodging?” What it Means – It’s About Jesus' Teaching: This verse is a key part of what Jesus was teaching about love . Here's what it says: Jesus wasn’t just eating with them; he was showing love. He was choosing to spend time with these people, even though they weren’t welcome or accepted. His focus was on the spirit of love: He was demonstrating that loving others is more important than following strict rules. It's about being compassionate and forgiving: It suggests he wasn’t trying to trick them; he was showing genuine concern for people who were struggling or in difficult situations. In short, the verse is a reminder that Jesus cared deeply about people, even those who didn’t love him back. It highlights his priority of compassion and forgiveness over rules and traditions. Think of it like this: He wasn't just eating with them – he was showing us how to treat others with kindness and understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to another part of the Bible?