“In addition to being labeled traitors, tax collectors were notorious for their dishonesty. They could not serve as witnesses or judges and were expelled from the synagogue. In the eyes of the Jewish community their disgrace extended even to their families.”
–The Archaeological Study Bible

“That Jesus should have chosen as his disciple a Jewish tax collector who was in the employ of the Roman government is indeed remarkable. Tax collectors were bitterly hated by their own countrymen…”
–The Archaeological Study Bible

“Jesus seeks the outsider. Here Jesus offers a picture of true repentance: it is like going to a doctor for help. The ‘cure,’ if it is to come, must come from outside of oneself. A repentant heart is open to God and to his administering the necessary medicine for life.”
–The IVP Commentary

When tax collectors and sinners come to the table in the clinic, Jesus, the Great Physician, is not about to turn them away. Jesus reaches out to all types of needy people. All can benefit from the power of his healing presence.”
–The IVP Commentary