What does Mark 2:13 mean?

Mark's depiction of Jesus' ministry in Capernaum has shifted from healing masses of people (Mark 1:32–34) to more of a focus on teaching (Mark 2:2). While Jesus wanted to teach, primarily, He was often interrupted by healing requests and even by demons (Mark 1:21–25; 1:31–45). It is by the sea that Jesus had chosen His first four disciples (Mark 1:16–20), and now He chooses His fifth.

Jesus sometimes preaches in a synagogue or a home, but often teaches outdoors, in open spaces. This is significant for the audience He wishes to reach. In a synagogue, He can debate the finer points of theology with Jewish scholars. Out of doors, away from the physical and religious confinement of a room restricted to a group of men, His words reach a larger and more diverse audience. While women were in general welcome to come to a synagogue, they were separated from the men, and often could not hear or see the teacher. Women, girls, and boys under the age of thirteen also did not have as many Pharisaical duties imposed on them that would necessitate going to the synagogue. Although Jesus does heal a woman in a synagogue (Luke 13:10–13), most of His interactions with women are outside (John 8:1–11) or in private homes (Mark 14:3–9).

Preaching outside the synagogue also gives Jesus opportunities to reach those who are not welcome, including Gentiles and "sinners." In the same way, we are called to exhort other people in the context of a gathering. This is an obligation for Christ–followers (Hebrews 10:25), but is also meant to reach non-Christians with the news of the gospel, wherever we may be (Matthew 28:19–20).