When, then, in 9.10–13 (cf. also 11.19) Matthew records that the Pharisees took offence at Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, this would make little sense if they already considered Jesus himself to be an outcast. Such behaviour would be only to be expected; other outcasts would be Jesus’ natural companions. The offence is that Jesus is doing something that is not in accord with his social status as a religious teacher and is ignoring purity regulations in doing so.
