Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'
Mark 7:15 NIV
Jesus, made the above statement when he was addressing a crowd after the Pharisees and teachers of the Law asked of Jesus why He and His disciples did not wash their hands before eating; for Jews did not eat before a ceremonial washing of the hands according to traditions of their elders.
Jesus response, about what is coming out of a man, taught us that He looks not at the outward appearance of the person and action, but rather at the thoughts and desires of the person's heart, the motives for that action. Jesus knew with much more clarity, precision, and detail what was on the hearts of the Pharisees then the Pharisees did. Jesus wanted a relationship with the Pharisees. He wanted them to seek God's Kingdom first; however He knew that the Pharisees were trying to look reverent, with motives other than seeking the Kingdom first in their hearts.
In our reading today, Jesus' ministry is still limited to the "lost sheep of Israel." With love, compassion, care, and concern Jesus explained what makes a man unclean. It is not the food the man ate, but rather the thoughts, desires and emotions within a man's heart. If one thinks for a moment or two, one can probably come up with several unclean items that could be on a man's heart that could easily move and inspire a man to evil action.
How can we weigh our actions to consider what is in that mysterious place,the heart? One possible way is to look for lasting Spiritual Fruit coming out or resulting from our actions. How are you sharing the gospel of Jesus with others.
How can a person illuminate the heart to determine motivations for action?
How have you shared the good news of Jesus with others?
Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel message.
In Christ,
David P
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