Final answer:
Jesus was followed by crowds that included individuals from various social backgrounds, including Levi, a tax collector. Levi accepted Jesus's invitation to become a disciple and hosted him at a dinner, which was also attended by other tax collectors and sinners.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Jesus withdrew from the Pharisees, he was followed by a crowd that included various members of the society, notably including Levi son of Alphaeus, who was a tax collector. Jesus invited Levi to be his disciple, and Levi accepted and followed him. Levi, or Matthew as he is later known, even hosted Jesus and his disciples for dinner, which was attended by many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for dining with such individuals, showing the tensions between Jesus's all-inclusive approach and the Pharisees' strict adherence to Jewish law.
Jesus's inclusive teachings and actions attracted a wide variety of followers from different walks of life. After his crucifixion and the claim by his followers that he rose from the grave, his disciples, known as apostles, continued to spread his message across great distances, which laid the foundation for the birth of Christianity. Notably, Jesus called individuals like Levi to follow him, which emphasizes the diverse nature of his followers.