The Meaning Of Matthew 15:12-20 In Today’s World

Introduction

Matthew 15:12-20 is a passage from the Bible that has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries. In this passage, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees about his disciples’ failure to follow the traditional Jewish customs of washing their hands before eating. Jesus responds by telling them that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of their mouth. This passage has a deep spiritual meaning that is relevant to our lives today.

The Historical Context

To understand the meaning of Matthew 15:12-20, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who were known for their strict adherence to the Jewish customs and traditions. They believed that by following these customs, they would be able to achieve salvation.

The Challenge to Jesus

In Matthew 15:12-20, the Pharisees challenge Jesus about his disciples’ failure to follow the traditional Jewish customs. They accuse him of breaking the law and defiling himself and his disciples. Jesus responds by telling them that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of their mouth.

The Spiritual Meaning

The spiritual meaning of Matthew 15:12-20 is that it is not our external actions that make us pure, but our internal thoughts and intentions. Jesus is telling us that it is not enough to follow external rules and regulations, but we must also be pure in our hearts and minds.

The Importance of Internal Purity

Internal purity is important because it affects our relationship with God and with others. If we are pure in our hearts and minds, we will be able to love God and love others as ourselves. We will be able to live a life of compassion and kindness, and we will be able to make a positive difference in the world.

The Relevance to Today’s World

The message of Matthew 15:12-20 is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Jesus. In today’s world, we are often judged by our external actions rather than our internal thoughts and intentions. We are encouraged to focus on material success and external appearances, rather than our spiritual growth and internal purity.

The Importance of Self-Reflection

Matthew 15:12-20 reminds us of the importance of self-reflection and introspection. We need to take a step back from our busy lives and examine our thoughts and intentions. We need to ask ourselves whether our actions are motivated by love, compassion, and kindness, or by selfishness, greed, and pride.

The Importance of Compassion

Compassion is also an important theme in Matthew 15:12-20. Jesus teaches us that we should not judge others based on their external actions or appearances, but on their internal thoughts and intentions. We should show compassion to those who are struggling and in need, and we should be willing to help them without judgment or condemnation.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Matthew 15:12-20 is a powerful message that is relevant to our lives today. It reminds us of the importance of internal purity, self-reflection, and compassion. It challenges us to look beyond external appearances and to focus on our spiritual growth and development. As we strive to live a life of love, compassion, and kindness, we can make a positive difference in the world and bring hope and healing to those who are in need.