Final answer:
Jesus engaged with the multitude that followed him with messages of inclusiveness, forgiveness, and miraculous acts. He called a tax collector to be his disciple and performed miracles to meet the needs of his followers, demonstrating his divinity and the essence of his teachings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a great multitude followed Jesus, he engaged with them in various ways. For instance, as noted in the gospels, Jesus invited a tax collector named Levi, also known as Matthew, to become his disciple. This act was significant because tax collectors were often despised by the community for their association with the Roman authorities and perceived dishonesty. Yet, Jesus sought their company, indicating a message of inclusiveness and forgiveness. This inclusive approach was a cornerstone of his ministry.
In another interaction, when questioned by the Pharisees regarding his company with sinners, he explained that his mission was to call the sinful to repentance, not the righteous; this emphasized his role as a spiritual healer and teacher. Furthermore, as illustrated by the account of the fish with the coin in its mouth, Jesus provided for the needs of his disciples in miraculous ways, such as when he instructed Peter to find a fish with a coin to pay their taxes. This demonstrated both his divinity and his trust in providence.
Throughout his mission, Jesus performed many miracles and taught about a peaceful and inclusive religion centered around God's love and forgiveness. His followers, who witnessed the miracles and his resurrection, began spreading his teachings, and thus, Christianity was born.