The Tax Collector

13-14 Then Jesus went again to walk alongside the lake. Again a crowd came to him, and he taught them. Strolling along, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” He came.

15-16 Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: “What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the misfits?”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $69.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message The Book of Psalms - eBook
The Message The Book of Psalms - eBook
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $7.19
Save: $1.80 (20%)
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
Retail: $149.99
Our Price: $149.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.29
Save: $5.70 (57%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $36.98
Save: $13.01 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars