During the time of Jesus, tax collectors were widely despised among the Jews. They were known to exploit Jewish citizens by overcharging them and keeping some of the money for themselves. So why would Jesus call a tax collector to follow Him, let alone eat with him and other sinners?

In verse ten, Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man,” declaring His authority on earth to forgive sins. At first, this title may seem unusual: where does it come from, and who is the Son of Man?