Matthew 15:10-20 is about how true defilement comes from within a person’s heart, rather than from external sources, emphasizing the importance of having pure and righteous intentions in all actions.
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.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 15:10-20
In Matthew chapter 15, we find Jesus surrounded by a crowd of people who have gathered to hear his teachings. The scene takes place on a mountainside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, with the gentle breeze carrying the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape.
Among the crowd are Jesus’ disciples, who have been traveling with him and witnessing his miracles and teachings. They are eager to learn from him and understand the deeper meanings behind his parables. Also present are the Pharisees and scribes, who have come to challenge Jesus and question his authority.
As Jesus begins to speak, he addresses the crowd, emphasizing the importance of inner purity over outward rituals. He explains that it is not what goes into the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart. This message challenges the traditional beliefs of the Pharisees and scribes, sparking a heated debate and leading to a powerful lesson on the true nature of righteousness.
What is Matthew 15:10-20 about?
Jesus challenges our understanding of what truly defiles a person in this verse. He emphasizes that external actions alone are not enough to make someone impure; it is the inner thoughts and intentions that truly define a person’s spiritual state. Jesus is highlighting the importance of cultivating a pure heart and mind, for it is from these internal places that our actions flow. This verse serves as a reminder that our words and actions are a reflection of what is within us.
Imagine a beautiful garden blooming with vibrant flowers on the outside, but inside, the soil is filled with toxic pollutants. External beauty can mask inner decay, just as external acts of righteousness can mask internal corruption. Jesus is urging us to focus on purifying our hearts and minds, for it is from these places that our true intentions and actions stem. Let us reflect on our thoughts and motivations, striving to cultivate purity within ourselves rather than mere outward appearances.
Understanding what Matthew 15:10-20 really means
In Matthew 15:10-20, Jesus addresses the crowd and His disciples, following a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes over ritual purity. The central theme here is the distinction between external actions and internal motivations, with Jesus highlighting that true defilement originates from the heart rather than external sources. He urges the listeners to “listen and understand,” emphasizing the need for deep comprehension of His teachings beyond mere surface-level hearing. This call to introspection challenges traditional Jewish dietary laws by asserting that what enters the mouth does not defile a person, but rather what proceeds from the heart.
Jesus’s statement, “But what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them,” underscores the significance of words and actions as reflections of the heart’s condition. The heart, as the core of one’s being, is identified as the wellspring of moral and spiritual impurity. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23, which instructs to guard the heart diligently, recognizing its influence on one’s words and deeds. Similarly, Jeremiah 17:9 warns of the deceitful nature of the heart, underscoring the deep-seated sinfulness inherent in humanity.
The parallel passage in Mark 7:20-23 further elaborates on the sins originating from the heart, reinforcing the message conveyed in Matthew. Today, this teaching remains relevant as it challenges society’s external focus on appearances and rituals, urging individuals to prioritize inner transformation. The passage emphasizes the importance of moral integrity over mere compliance with external norms, highlighting the need for genuine purity of heart.
Consider a personal anecdote of a seemingly righteous individual later revealed to have hidden sins, illustrating that true character is manifested through actions and words, not just outward appearances. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Jesus’s message on the heart’s significance. In conclusion, the passage in Matthew 15:10-20 directs attention to the heart as the seat of true defilement, emphasizing the paramount importance of inner purity to God.
As we reflect on this teaching, let us examine our own hearts and seek transformation through a relationship with Jesus, who can purify and renew our innermost being. By internalizing the message of Matthew 15:10-20, we are called to prioritize moral integrity and cultivate a heart that aligns with God’s will. May this passage inspire us to pursue genuine transformation and strive for inner purity in a world often preoccupied with external appearances.
What defiles a person in the eyes of God?
Jesus explains in the passage from Matthew 15:10-20 that what defiles a person in the eyes of God is not external factors such as food or outward cleanliness, but rather what comes from within the heart. Jesus emphasizes that it is the evil thoughts, intentions, and actions that proceed from a person’s heart that truly defile them. This teaching highlights the importance of inner purity and righteousness before God. Jesus is emphasizing the significance of having a pure heart and right motives by addressing the Pharisees and teaching this principle. He warns against hypocrisy and superficial religious practices, stressing the need for genuine spiritual transformation rather than simply adhering to external rituals. This passage underscores the value of internal qualities and intentions over external appearances in one’s relationship with God. Believers are reminded ultimately that true holiness and purity come from within, from a heart that is aligned with God’s will and characterized by love, compassion, and righteousness. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to examine our hearts, thoughts, and attitudes, and to strive for genuine inner transformation that reflects God’s values and principles.
Application
Think of your words as seeds you plant in the garden of your life. What you say and do can either nurture or harm the people around you. Just like at work or with your family, every action and word has an impact. Choose to spread kindness, compassion, and wisdom in every conversation and interaction. Will you plant seeds of love and positivity today?
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.