Is Jesus saying here
that we just aren´t getting it?
We don´t get it!
And neither did the disciples.
Matthew 15:16-20
In the beginning of this chapter, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees because they were all up in arms over the disciples not washing their hands before they ate. They asked Jesus in verse 2 why the disciples were transgressing the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands. And Jesus asked them a question in return. "Why do you transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? They were doing lip service but their hearts were far from God.
Jesus told the Disciples not to worry about what the Pharisees said and to leave them alone; to let the blind lead the blind.
So often in Christian circles this happens. We end up following traditions and even trends; not what is Biblical. Traditions become the pedistool on which we stand or trends become the flag that we wave. Heart examination is necessary. A Christian needs to look deep into his or her heart to be sure what is there is God honoring, because what is in the heart is what will eventually come out of the mouth.
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." Matthew 15:18-20
The Lord really spoke to me through these verses. Asking me what was I holding on to in my life as traditions and what was really in my heart.
And yet another application to this passage, is to always be sure that what is coming out of my mouth is edifying not defiling.
As I meditate on this more, more applications come.
Jesus´ teachings and his relationships with people are amazing!
Very powerful, Dani Joy. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Dani Joy, Thanks you for that devotional. We surely do need to examine our motives. Also, we need to remember that our words are either building or tearing down others. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Great truths, Dani Joy! I appreciate the encouragement you left for me also. I will be praying for you. The pull can be strong.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love your new photo. Your haircut is becoming.
Oh, and about Katie. Yes, she arrived right before Jack was born. Now she's home with her boys again! God was so good!
Wonderful post Dani Joy! How true and timely these thoughts are.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
This is so true,you are so right. Oh, we have to be so careful not to follow those traditions and also not to be like the pharisees (SP?) that taught men tradition as doctrines. We have such a responsability. May God help us to stay away from that.
ReplyDeleteI was also just talking about the very same warning with M.L and S. in their discipleship class on wednesday. They hold on to so many traditions that actually keep them from following God's commands.