1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,
2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”
3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?
4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’
5 But you say, ‘Whoever tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is a gift for God”—
6 he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.
7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand:
11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.
12 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”
13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.
14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.
15 But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”
16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding?
17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?
18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”
24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
29 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there.
30 And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them,
31 so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.
32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”
33 And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?”
34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”
35 And ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground,
36 he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.
39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.
The True Meaning of Matthew 15
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the teachings and ministry of Jesus. Jesus confronts the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time, in this chapter. The Pharisees question Jesus about the traditions of the elders, particularly regarding the issue of hand-washing before meals. Jesus responds by exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and their focus on outward appearances rather than the condition of the heart. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion about what truly defiles a person. As we delve into this chapter, Jesus challenges the religious establishment and emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals. This encounter foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees, which will ultimately lead to his crucifixion and resurrection, the pivotal events that form the foundation of our Christian faith.
Matthew 15:1-9
Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes in Matthew 15:1-9. The section begins with the Pharisees and scribes questioning Jesus about why His disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before they eat. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the various traditions and regulations, including meticulous handwashing rituals, that were not specifically commanded by God but were developed by the elders over time. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes in response, quoting from Isaiah 29:13, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”” Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who were more concerned with outward appearances and adherence to man-made traditions than with genuine devotion to God. This interaction emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and authentic relationship with God rather than merely following external rituals or traditions.
Jesus then provides an example of how the Pharisees’ traditions were used to justify neglecting the commandments of God. He mentions the practice of Corban, where someone could declare their possessions as dedicated to God as a way to avoid using them to support their parents. This manipulation of religious practices to avoid caring for one’s family directly contradicted God’s command to honor and care for parents (Exodus 20:12).
This passage serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to examine their own hearts and motivations in their faith. It warns against falling into the trap of empty rituals or traditions that may be detached from true reverence and obedience to God. Jesus’ teachings here challenge believers to prioritize a genuine relationship with God and to ensure that their actions are aligned with His commandments and heart for compassion and love (Matthew 22:37-40). This passage in Matthew 15:1-9 highlights the timeless message of the importance of sincerity and authenticity in one’s faith, emphasizing that external practices should always be rooted in a genuine love for God and others. It reminds believers to guard against hypocrisy and to keep their focus on what truly matters in the eyes of the Lord.
Matthew 15:10-20
Jesus in Matthew 15:10-20 addresses a critical issue of the heart that transcends mere external observance of religious laws. The Pharisees and scribes were challenging Jesus about His disciples eating with unwashed hands, a violation of the tradition of the elders. Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach them a vital lesson about the true nature of defilement. Jesus calls the crowd to Him in verse 10 and states, “Hear and understand.”” This is a powerful call to attention, indicating that what He is about to say is of utmost importance and requires profound reflection. Jesus often used such phrases to emphasize the significance of His teachings. Jesus urges the people to not just listen but understand, inviting them to go beyond superficial obedience to grasp the deeper spiritual truths He is conveying.
Moving on to verse 11, Jesus declares, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Here, Jesus challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of purity that focused on external actions. He shifts the focus to internal attitudes and words, highlighting the moral defilement that originates from the heart. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of inner purity, righteousness, and spiritual cleanliness over mere ritualistic practices. Jesus clarifies His statement for His disciples in verses 15-20. Peter asks for further explanation, and Jesus explains that food does not defile a person because it passes through the body and is eliminated. Instead, Jesus points to the evil thoughts, words, and actions that proceed from the heart as the true sources of defilement. This teaching underscores the emphasis throughout the Bible on the condition of the heart as crucial in one’s relationship with God.
This passage reinforces the timeless message found in other parts of Scripture, such as 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 15:10-20 serve as a reminder that true righteousness is not about external adherence to rules and traditions but about the transformation of the heart and the alignment of one’s thoughts and actions with God’s will. Jesus confronts a mentality that prioritizes religious externals over genuine spiritual transformation by challenging the Pharisees’ legalistic approach and pointing to the importance of inner purity. This passage calls believers to sincerity of heart, integrity in speech, and authenticity in worship, echoing the prophetic call in Isaiah 29:13, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Matthew 15:10-20 offers a profound lesson on the nature of true defilement and purity. It redirects our focus from outward appearances to the condition of our hearts, highlighting the need for genuine repentance, transformation, and devotion to God. Jesus’ words challenge us to assess the motives behind our actions, the attitudes of our hearts, and the words we speak, urging us to pursue a life of holiness that originates from a purified heart surrendered to God’s will.
Matthew 15:21-28
An encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 bears some powerful lessons. This passage begins with Jesus leaving the region of Tyre and Sidon and heading towards the Sea of Galilee. It’s worth noting that the region of Tyre and Sidon was a predominantly Gentile area, and the people there were not Jewish. This setting is crucial for the interactions that follow.
The story unfolds with a Canaanite woman approaching Jesus, crying out for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. At first, Jesus seems to ignore her pleas, as he responds by saying, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” This statement might seem harsh on the surface, as it appears that Jesus is dismissing her because she is not Jewish. However, we must understand this within the context of Jesus’ earthly ministry primarily focusing on the Jewish people. Despite this initial seeming rejection, the woman persists in her faith and desperation, pleading with Jesus to help her.
The woman’s persistence and unwavering faith are truly commendable. Despite Jesus initially telling her that his mission was to the lost sheep of Israel, she continues to show her faith in Jesus’ power and compassion. She kneels before him, acknowledging him as Lord, and humbly asks for help. Her response to Jesus’ statement sets a powerful example of persevering faith, teaching us the importance of steadfast belief even in the face of apparent obstacles.
Then comes the poignant dialogue between the woman and Jesus, where she expresses her faith in Jesus’ power and mercy even in comparison to the crumbs that fall from the masters’ table. Jesus is moved by her faith and grants her request, healing her daughter. This interaction demonstrates several crucial points. Firstly, it shows that Jesus’ ministry extends beyond the boundaries of Israel; his saving grace is available to all who come to him in faith. Secondly, it highlights the importance of humility, persistence, and faith in our prayers and interactions with God. The Canaanite woman’s humility and faith serve as an example for us all to approach God with unwavering trust, even when it seems like our prayers are unanswered.
This encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman is a powerful reminder of the universality of Jesus’ saving grace and the transformative power of unwavering faith. It challenges us to examine our own faith and persistence in seeking God’s help, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and love. Jesus’ compassion extends beyond cultural boundaries in this story, emphasizing that faith, humility, and persistence are key components of a meaningful relationship with God. It invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys, encouraging us to approach God with the same trust and perseverance as the Canaanite woman.
Matthew 15:29-31
The verse in Matthew 15:29-31 states that Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.”
This section of the Gospel of Matthew is a powerful illustration of Jesus’ compassion and miraculous healing. Jesus had just been in the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He had a profound encounter with a Canaanite woman who displayed great faith in Him. This interaction challenged the prevailing prejudices of the time and highlighted the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry, where He demonstrated that salvation was not limited to the Jews but extended to all who believed in Him. Great crowds gathered around Jesus as He moved along the Sea of Galilee and up onto a mountainside, bringing those who were suffering from various afflictions such as the lame, blind, crippled, and mute. This scene showcases the desperation and hope people had in Jesus as they sought healing and restoration for their loved ones. The fact that people from diverse backgrounds and conditions approached Jesus reflects His universal appeal and willingness to minister to all who came to Him in faith.
The depiction of Jesus healing the sick and disabled signifies His authority over physical ailments and His desire to alleviate the suffering of humanity. The miraculous acts of restoring sight to the blind, enabling the crippled to walk, causing the mute to speak, and healing the lame not only validate Jesus’ identity as the Messiah but also fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Anointed One who would bring healing and deliverance (Isaiah 35:5-6).
The response of the people to witnessing these miracles was one of amazement and praise to the God of Israel. Their recognition of God’s power at work through Jesus reveals a growing understanding of His divinity and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Him. Their acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty underscores the importance of giving glory to Him for the wondrous deeds that were being accomplished through His Son. This passage emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate healer and provider of salvation in a broader theological context. The physical healings performed by Jesus serve as a prelude to the spiritual restoration He offers to all who believe in Him. Just as the people sought physical healing from Jesus, humanity is in need of spiritual healing and transformation, which can only be found in a relationship with Christ (Isaiah 53:5).
Therefore, Matthew 15:29-31 not only portrays the compassion and power of Jesus in meeting the needs of the afflicted but also points to the deeper spiritual reality of His redemptive work for all people. This passage challenges believers to approach Jesus with faith, believing in His ability to heal, restore, and transform lives, both physically and spiritually.
Matthew 15:32-39
We witness a powerful display of Jesus’ compassion and miracles in Matthew 15:32-39. The passage begins with a scene where Jesus gathers a large crowd who have been following Him for three days without food. Jesus looks upon the hungry crowd and expresses His concern for them, saying, “I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way” (Matthew 15:32). This statement not only shows Jesus’ care for the physical well-being of the people but also highlights His understanding of their limitations and needs.
Jesus then performs a miraculous feeding, reminiscent of the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. This time, Jesus takes seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, blesses them, breaks them, and gives them to His disciples to distribute to the crowd of four thousand men, besides women and children. Miraculously, everyone is fed, and seven baskets of leftover pieces are collected. This miracle underscores Jesus’ divine power and provision in meeting the people’s needs abundantly.
The reference to the seven baskets of leftovers is significant, symbolizing completeness and abundance in the face of scarcity. It echoes the story of the feeding of the 5,000 where twelve baskets were leftover (Matthew 14:20), indicating the fullness and completion that come from God’s miraculous works. This repetition reinforces the theme of God’s faithfulness and sufficiency in providing for His people beyond what they can imagine or comprehend. Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and demonstrates His authority over creation is reinforced by the repetition of such miracles. These miraculous feedings point to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), symbolizing spiritual nourishment and sustenance that He offers to all who believe in Him. Just as Jesus physically fed the crowds, He also desires to feed our souls with His Word and presence, offering eternal satisfaction and salvation. Jesus’ account in Matthew 15:32-39 not only showcases His compassion, power, and provision but also invites us to trust in His ability to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. It challenges us to rely on Him completely, knowing that He is the source of all abundance and completeness. We reflect on this passage, seeking Jesus as our Bread of Life and finding fulfillment in Him alone.
After Matthew 15
Jesus confronted the religious leaders who were more focused on following traditions than truly honoring God in this chapter. He emphasized the importance of having a pure heart and genuine faith rather than just going through the motions of religious practices. Jesus showed compassion by healing the sick and feeding the hungry, demonstrating the true essence of God’s love for all people. Let us prioritize our relationship with God above all else as we reflect on the teachings of Jesus in this chapter. Do not let empty rituals or traditions sway us; instead, let us seek to have a sincere and humble heart before the Lord. We will see more examples of Jesus’ teachings and miracles in the next chapter, inspiring us to deepen our faith and walk closer with Him.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.