Matthew 15 Nlt: Understanding The Teachings Of Jesus

Introduction

When it comes to understanding the teachings of Jesus, the book of Matthew is one of the most important resources available. This gospel account presents a detailed and comprehensive record of Jesus’ life and ministry, providing readers with insights into his teachings and the impact they had on the people of his time. In this article, we will focus on Matthew 15 NLT, exploring the key themes and messages contained within this chapter.

The Context of Matthew 15

Before diving into the specifics of Matthew 15, it is important to understand the context in which this chapter takes place. At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus is confronted by a group of Pharisees and teachers of religious law who question him about why his disciples do not follow the traditional customs of hand washing before eating. This exchange sets the stage for a larger discussion about the importance of following God’s commands and living a life that is pleasing to him.

Jesus’ Response to the Pharisees

In response to the Pharisees’ question, Jesus turns the focus back on them, accusing them of placing more importance on their own traditions than on God’s commands. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah, saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.” (Matthew 15:8-9, NLT)

The Importance of the Heart

Throughout Matthew 15, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart in matters of faith. He tells the crowds that it is not what goes into the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart. He says, “What comes from the heart, that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” (Matthew 15:18-19, NLT)

The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

One of the most notable events in Matthew 15 is the encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman who comes to him seeking healing for her daughter. At first, Jesus seems hesitant to help her, telling her that he has come only for the lost sheep of Israel. But the woman persists, saying, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:27, NLT)

The Power of Faith

Jesus is impressed by the woman’s faith and grants her request, healing her daughter instantly. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in our lives. It shows that even when we feel like we are unworthy or undeserving, God is willing to hear our prayers and grant our requests.

The Miracle of the Feeding of the Four Thousand

Another significant event in Matthew 15 is the feeding of the four thousand. This miracle, which takes place after Jesus has spent several days teaching and healing the crowds, involves Jesus feeding a large group of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish.

The Abundance of God’s Provision

The feeding of the four thousand serves as a powerful demonstration of God’s abundance and provision. It shows that even in times when we feel like we don’t have enough, God is able to provide for our needs and more.

The Danger of Hypocrisy

Throughout Matthew 15, Jesus emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of living a life that is consistent with our beliefs. He warns his followers about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, saying, “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3, NLT)

The Call to Love Others

In Matthew 15, Jesus also emphasizes the importance of loving others, even those who may be different from us. He tells his followers, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NLT) and encourages them to show compassion and kindness to all those they encounter.

The Significance of Matthew 15 for Today

While Matthew 15 may have been written over 2,000 years ago, its teachings still hold great relevance for us today. This chapter reminds us of the importance of following God’s commands and living a life that is pleasing to him. It calls us to love others and to show compassion and kindness to all those we encounter. And it reminds us of the power of faith and the abundance of God’s provision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matthew 15 NLT is a powerful chapter that offers insights into the teachings of Jesus and their relevance for our lives today. It emphasizes the importance of the heart in matters of faith, the power of faith in our lives, and the significance of loving others and showing compassion and kindness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life that is consistent with our beliefs and following God’s commands.