1 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,
2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.
3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, – Mark 7:3 (ESV)
4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.
5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”
6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’
11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)—
12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,
13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand:
15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.
16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.
18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him,
19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.
21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden.
25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.
32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.
33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.
34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”
35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
The True Meaning of Mark 7
The Gospel of Mark, believed to have been written by John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter, provides a vivid account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus confronts the religious leaders of the time in this particular chapter, challenging the traditions and practices of the Jewish faith.
The chapter begins by addressing the issue of ritual purity, a topic that was of great importance to the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus, however, challenges their interpretation of the law, emphasizing that true purity comes from the heart, not from external observances. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the relationship between human traditions and the commandments of God, a theme that will continue to unfold throughout the passage. As we delve further into the chapter, we will encounter Jesus’ encounter with a Gentile woman, a pivotal moment that foreshadows the expansion of his ministry beyond the boundaries of Israel. This interaction not only demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and understanding but also serves as a precursor to the broader mission of the church, as it is called to bring the good news to all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background (Matthew 28:19-20).
Mark 7:1-8
The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law come to Jesus from Jerusalem in Mark 7:1-8 to question Him about the tradition of ceremonial washing before eating. Jesus and the religious leaders of His time have a clear confrontation regarding the importance of outward rituals versus inward purity of the heart in this passage. The Pharisees were known for meticulously following the traditions and rituals of the law, and they were quick to criticize Jesus and His disciples for not adhering to these customs.
Jesus responds to their accusations by quoting Isaiah, pointing out that their worship has become empty because they are more focused on human traditions than on the commandments of God. He accuses them of setting aside the commands of God in order to hold on to their own traditions. This highlights a crucial theme in the Bible – the importance of sincerity and genuine faith over mere outward observance of religious rituals. Jesus challenges the Pharisees to look beyond the external practices and delve into the condition of their hearts.
This confrontation serves as a powerful reminder for all believers to examine their intentions and motivations behind their actions. Are we merely going through the motions of religious practices, or are we truly seeking a deeper relationship with God? This passage speaks to the timeless message found throughout the Bible that God desires our hearts above all else. The Lord said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.” The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
The Pharisees in the Gospels are often portrayed as hypocrites who value appearances and public recognition of their piety, but neglect the weightier matters of the law such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Jesus consistently challenges them to move beyond legalistic adherence to rituals and focus on the transformation of the heart. This message is echoed in the words of the prophet Micah, who declares, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
The story of the Pharisees and Jesus’ interactions with them serves as a cautionary tale for believers today. It prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes towards religious practices and to ensure that our worship is rooted in authenticity and reverence for God. This passage ultimately challenges us to pursue a relationship with God characterized by genuine faith, humility, and a sincere desire to follow His commandments from the depths of our hearts, rather than simply going through the motions of religion.
Mark 7:9-13
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes in Mark 7:9-13 for their hypocrisy and their prioritization of traditions over the commandments of God. He quotes Isaiah 29:13 to emphasize how their worship is in vain because they teach as doctrines the commandments of men.
This section of the verse serves as a powerful reminder that religious rituals and traditions should not take precedence over the true meaning and intent of God’s commandments. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to external practices but lacked the internal transformation and righteousness that God truly desires. Jesus’ teachings consistently challenge the superficiality of religious practices and emphasize the importance of a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God.
This passage highlights the contrast between outward appearances and inward intentions. The Pharisees were more concerned with following man-made rules and traditions than with truly understanding and living out the principles of God’s word. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently calls for a deeper, authentic faith that comes from the heart, rather than mere outward observance.
This confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders also foreshadows the ultimate conflict that will lead to Jesus’ crucifixion. The Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus and his teachings ultimately culminates in his betrayal and death on the cross. This passage serves as a reminder of the opposition Jesus faced from those who were supposed to be religious authorities, highlighting the theme of conflict between religious tradition and the teachings of Jesus. Believers are challenged in essence to examine their own hearts and motivations in their worship and obedience to God. It reminds us that true worship is not about following external rituals or traditions, but about having a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God. This message is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of a humble and contrite heart before God (Psalm 51:17), and the call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
Mark 7:14-23
Jesus addresses the crowd in Mark 7:14-23 after a discourse on what defiles a person. This passage highlights the importance of understanding that true defilement comes from within a person’s heart rather than external factors. Jesus underscores this by saying, “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” This statement challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of ritual cleanliness and purity laws which emphasized external actions and behaviors. Jesus in this passage is essentially shifting the focus from external observances to internal attitudes and motivations. He explains to the crowd that it is not what goes into the body (like certain foods that were considered unclean under Jewish law) that defiles a person, but rather what comes out of the heart. Jesus lists a series of evil actions and intentions that originate from within, such as evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.
This teaching by Jesus challenges the idea that outward appearances or actions alone determine one’s righteousness. It emphasizes the need for a transformation of the heart and mind, reflecting on passages like Jeremiah 17:9 which states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jesus’ words call for an internal examination and repentance rather than merely following external rules and regulations. Jesus is emphasizing the heart as the source of defilement, pointing towards the need for inner purity and righteousness. This aligns with other teachings of Jesus, such as in Matthew 5:8 where he says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The transformation that Jesus speaks of requires a deeper level of commitment and obedience to God, moving beyond superficial acts of obedience to genuine faith and a change of heart. This passage in Mark 7:14-23 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of examining our internal motivations and attitudes overall. It challenges us to move beyond external appearances and rituals to cultivate a heart that is pure, humble, and aligned with the will of God. Jesus’ teachings in this passage continue to resonate with believers today, prompting us to seek a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God based on the transformation of our inner selves.
Mark 7:24-30
Jesus travels to the region of Tyre in Mark 7:24-30. This passage begins with a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a Syrophoenician woman. The woman, who was a Gentile, approached Jesus, seeking His help for her demon-possessed daughter. It is important to note the cultural context of this encounter – the Jews traditionally held a view of superiority over the Gentiles, and interactions between Jews and Gentiles were often tense and strained. However, the faith and persistence displayed by this Gentile woman is truly remarkable.
When the woman begged Jesus for help, He responded in a way that seemed unexpected and harsh to some. Jesus said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” At first glance, this response may seem uncharacteristic of Jesus’ usual compassion and mercy, but there is a deeper lesson to be understood here. Jesus used this analogy not to demean the woman, but to test and reveal her faith. The term “dogs” was commonly used by Jews to refer to Gentiles, yet the woman boldly replied, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
This woman’s response demonstrated exceptional faith and humility. She acknowledged her place as a Gentile, yet expressed her unwavering belief in Jesus’ ability to heal her daughter. Jesus recognized and commended her faith, telling her, “For this statement, you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” Through this interaction, Jesus illustrated His ministry was not limited to the Jewish community but extended to all who showed genuine faith in Him.
This passage carries significant lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine our faith and persistence in seeking God’s help, even when faced with obstacles or seeming delays in His response. It underscores the importance of humility and unwavering belief in Christ, regardless of societal or cultural barriers. The story of the Syrophoenician woman serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace and mercy are accessible to all who approach Him with faith and sincerity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
This encounter also echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s inclusive love for all people. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s salvation and blessings extend beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, nationality, or social status. For example, in Acts 10, we see Peter realizing that God shows no partiality and that the message of salvation is for both Jews and Gentiles. This narrative in Mark 7 reinforces the universal scope of God’s love and redemption, inviting all people to come to Him in faith and receive His grace.
Mark 7:31-37
Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment in a beautiful account presented in Mark 7:31-37. This passage can be broken down into three main sections: the encounter, the healing, and the response. Jesus comes into the region of the Decapolis in the first part of the passage, which was a group of ten cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Here, the people brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, begging Jesus to heal him. This man’s physical ailments not only isolated him from the world around him but also limited his ability to fully communicate and engage with others. This mirrors the spiritual condition of all humanity – deaf to God’s voice and unable to articulate our deepest needs and desires.
Next, we witness Jesus performing the miraculous healing. Jesus took the man away from the crowd, showing his compassion and willingness to engage with individuals on a personal level. Using both physical touch and spiritual command (“Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened”), Jesus healed the man’s ears and his tongue. This act of restoration not only brought physical healing but also symbolized the spiritual opening of the man’s ears to hear God’s voice and his mouth to proclaim the goodness of God. This miraculous healing is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ authority over all physical afflictions and his desire to make us whole in body, mind, and spirit.
Finally, we see the response of the witnesses to this healing miracle. Despite Jesus’ instructions to keep the healing a secret, the witnesses were so amazed by what they had seen that they couldn’t help but share the news far and wide. This demonstrates the awe-inspiring power of Jesus’ miracles and the profound impact they had on those who witnessed them. It also serves as a reminder of our human tendency to be captivated by the spectacular rather than focusing on the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus came to reveal.
This account in Mark 7:31-37 not only showcases Jesus’ compassion, power, and authority but also highlights the significance of listening to God’s voice and being willing to speak boldly for Him. It invites us to reflect on our own spiritual deafness and ask Jesus to open our ears to hear His voice more clearly and our mouths to proclaim His truth more courageously. This passage echoes Isaiah 35:5-6, which prophesies about the coming Messiah: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” Jesus, the fulfillment of this prophecy, brings physical and spiritual healing to all who come to Him in faith.
After Mark 7
The chapter ended with Jesus addressing the Pharisees and scribes about their traditions and the true nature of defilement. He emphasized that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. This struck at the core of the Pharisees’ legalistic approach to religion. Jesus retreated with his disciples as the crowds dispersed. But the confrontation with the religious elite was far from over. For in the days to come, Jesus would face even greater opposition as he continued to challenge the status quo and reveal the true meaning of God’s law. The stage was set for an epic clash between the Son of God and the guardians of tradition. The next chapter would unveil an encounter that would shake the very foundations of the Jewish faith.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.