Text: Mark 7: 1-37
In this passage, we encounter Jesus debating with the Pharisees over what defiles
a person before God. The Pharisees were basing their knowledge on the “tradition of elders” (v.3); “many other traditions” (v4); and “the traditions of men” (v. 8).
So, the passage clearly points out that the religion of the Pharisees was based
on the wrong authority, that of man and not God. It was a superficial external
religion, in words and not from the heart (vv. 6-7). The danger of such religion
is given to us in verses 7-8 and 13). What happens whenever some other authority is introduced alongside the Bible? Before Jesus begins to compare
the faith of a Syro-Phoenician woman (vv.24-30) with that of the external
religion, He gives us a partial list of attitudes and actions that cause spiritual
defilement (vv. 21-23). From this list we can see that true religion must involve
the heart, the very center of our being.
Reflect on verses 20-23. What lessons have you drawn from this passage?
My heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray that You cleanse my
heart to truly worship You. Amen.