When questioned about eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus said he came to call “not the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Mark places this saying during a meal connected to the call of Levi (Mark 2:14–17).
In Mark 2:13–17, Jesus teaches by the sea, then calls Levi from his toll booth with a simple command to follow. Levi responds immediately. Soon Jesus is eating in Levi’s house with many tax collectors and people labeled “sinners,” along with his disciples. Religious teachers object that Jesus eats and drinks with such people. This scene continues a run of episodes showing Jesus moving through public spaces, drawing crowds, and acting with striking authority. Right before this, Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man amid controversy, and the conflict with religious teachers begins to sharpen (Mark.2.1-Mark.2.12).
Mark presents Jesus as a public teacher who also makes concrete, socially visible choices. After teaching by the sea, Jesus calls Levi from his toll station with a simple “Follow me,” and Levi responds immediately. The next scene shows Jesus sharing a meal in “his house” with many tax collectors and people labeled “sinners,” along with Jesus’ disciples.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Mark 2:17, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
17When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."