Matthew 15:10-20
Remember, just yesterday we spoke about how Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees, who were complaining that the disciples were breaking some of their “man-made” laws. Jesus quickly turned the situation around to expose their hypocrisy, and that conversation is followed by this one.
Jesus uses this contentious issue—the ceremonial washing of hands—to reveal a greater truth contained in this parable, which He proclaimed to the crowd: “It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes out of your mouth.”
Later, the disciples asked for clarification and also pointed out that the Pharisees were offended by what He said. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last.
Jesus did not mince words. Some might even say He was blunt, considering His next statement to the disciples: “Every plant not planted by My heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind…”
The ramifications of this statement are sobering. His words suggest that there are “plants” not planted by God, which brings to mind the parable of the wheat and the weeds (tares, in some versions). It becomes clear that the Pharisees were among this group. “Offended” may be an understatement, but the truth is often offensive to those who are not ready to receive it.
Jesus continues His explanation by teaching that what we eat passes through the body and is eliminated, but the words that come out of our mouths come from the heart. Our words reveal who we truly are.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says:
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
And Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV):
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Everything begins with a thought—both good and bad. It is evil thoughts that defile us, so we must be mindful of what we allow ourselves to dwell on.
Consider the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NASB1995):
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
We are each the gatekeepers of our own hearts. Be careful what you allow into yours.
Jesus uses this contentious issue—the ceremonial washing of hands—to reveal a greater truth contained in this parable, which He proclaimed to the crowd: “It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes out of your mouth.”
Later, the disciples asked for clarification and also pointed out that the Pharisees were offended by what He said. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last.
Jesus did not mince words. Some might even say He was blunt, considering His next statement to the disciples: “Every plant not planted by My heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind…”
The ramifications of this statement are sobering. His words suggest that there are “plants” not planted by God, which brings to mind the parable of the wheat and the weeds (tares, in some versions). It becomes clear that the Pharisees were among this group. “Offended” may be an understatement, but the truth is often offensive to those who are not ready to receive it.
Jesus continues His explanation by teaching that what we eat passes through the body and is eliminated, but the words that come out of our mouths come from the heart. Our words reveal who we truly are.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says:
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
And Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV):
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Everything begins with a thought—both good and bad. It is evil thoughts that defile us, so we must be mindful of what we allow ourselves to dwell on.
Consider the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NASB1995):
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
We are each the gatekeepers of our own hearts. Be careful what you allow into yours.
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