📅 January 13: Matthew 15: Challenging Traditions and Embracing Faith

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January 13: Matthew 15: Challenging Traditions and Embracing Faith
Exploring the Teachings of Jesus on True Purity and Faith

Introduction

On January 13th, we delve into Matthew 15, a chapter that presents a profound examination of tradition, purity, and faith. Here, Jesus challenges prevailing religious norms and emphasizes the importance of inner purity and genuine faith.

Matthew 15:1-20: The Heart of the Matter

In the first section of Matthew 15, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes on their adherence to human traditions over God’s commandments. He teaches that true defilement comes not from external sources but from the heart, reshaping the understanding of purity and obedience.

Key Verse: “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” — Matthew 15:18

Matthew 15:21-28: The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

This passage narrates the encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman, who shows remarkable faith in seeking healing for her daughter. Her faith and persistence lead to her daughter’s healing, highlighting that faith transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Key Verse: “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” — Matthew 15:28

Matthew 15:29-39: Feeding the Four Thousand

The chapter concludes with the miracle of feeding the four thousand. This event, like the earlier feeding of the five thousand, demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and power to provide, reinforcing His identity as the provider and sustainer.

Key Verse: “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” — Matthew 15:37

Key Themes and Reflections:

Inner Purity Over External Rituals: Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of purity, teaching that what comes from the heart is more important than external observances.

Faith Beyond Boundaries: The story of the Canaanite woman illustrates that true faith is not limited by cultural or ethnic barriers.

Jesus as the Provider: The feeding of the four thousand reaffirms Jesus’ role as a compassionate provider, capable of meeting the needs of the multitude.

Today’s Application:

Reflect on the importance of focusing on inner purity and the intentions of your heart. Consider how your faith might transcend traditional boundaries and prejudices. Recognize Jesus’ role as the provider in your life and the lives of those around you.

Hidden Gem:

Did you know? The encounter with the Canaanite woman is a pivotal moment that showcases the inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry, opening the way for Gentiles to be part of God’s kingdom.

Reflective Q&A:

Challenging Religious Norms

How does Jesus’ teaching on inner purity challenge our own spiritual practices and beliefs?

A: Jesus’ teaching prompts us to examine our priorities, asking whether we focus more on outward religious rituals or on cultivating a pure heart and genuine relationship with God.

The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

What can we learn from the Canaanite woman’s example of faith and persistence?

A: Her example teaches us the value of persistent faith and the courage to seek God’s help, even when it seems we are facing rejection or are outside the traditional boundaries of faith.

Feeding the Multitudes

What does the miracle of feeding the four thousand reveal about Jesus’ character and mission?

A: This miracle reveals Jesus’ compassion and ability to provide abundantly. It underscores His mission to care for both the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Join the Discussion:

How do the teachings and actions of Jesus in Matthew 15 impact your understanding of faith, purity, and provision? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

#Matthew15 #JesusTeachings #Faith #Purity #BibleStudy #SpiritualJourney #Miracles

See You Tomorrow in Matthew: Continue your enlightening journey with us as we explore more profound teachings and miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

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Matthew 15*
The Lord was constantly criticised by the scribes and Pharisees, who saw in him a challenge to their authority and influence in the nation. As the great Prophet teaching, and the great Physician healing, and as the great Shepherd of the sheep feeding, the Lord Yahshua was as concerned for the condition of his people, providing for their needs. • Pharisees accuse the disciples of eating with unwashed hands (vv. 1-2), but the Lord answers, and convicts them of gross hypocrisy (vv. 3-9). He teaches the people and the disciples what it is that renders men unclean (vv. 10-20). Then he heals the daughter of a Canaanitish woman (vv. 21-28), and many diseased people on a mountain of Galilee (vv. 29-31). With seven loaves, and a few little fishes, he feeds 4,000 men, besides women and children (vv. 32-38), and having dismissed the multitudes, he comes to the coast of Magdala (v. 39). • Throughout his ministry the Lord was constantly criticised and opposed by the Scribes and the Pharisees, who are now seen in their true light. They were the “Satan” and “devil” who opposed the Lord at every opportunity. Again the Lord turns the arguments of Scribes and Pharisees when in v. 1, they talk of the tradition of the elders, for Yahshua turns this against them by asking why do they keep their tradition instead of the Law of their God (v. 3), showing in v. 6 that by so doing they making the Word of Yahweh without effect. He continues by indicating therefore that they only offer lip service to Yahweh and His only begotten Son and their hearts are with the commandments of men. The scathing statement he makes of them is that ‘they are blind leaders of the blind.’ • On behalf of the disciples Peter asks for understanding of his words (v. 15). The Master responds with a concise answer showing that the small things of not washing the hands pales into insignificance when compared to the weightier things of defilement. It was not so much the ritual of laws and traditions, but the spirit of the divine commandments. Sometimes men make regulations that ignore the basic principle of the divine wisdom: that of God manifestation. The tradition of Corban (v. 5) was one such. It was so interpreted to allow men to enjoy the privileges of a “gift” given to the temple, instead of providing for the care and comfort of their parents in fulfilment of the fifth commandment. Apparently they were able to utilise the money given to the treasury themselves, but as it was not actually “their money,” they were not bound to provide for their parents. As a result of the wickedness of the nation’s leaders against the Messiah, a public repudiation of their position was given (vv. 10-11). The disciples have a responsibility to uphold the true spirit of the divine commandments, and in so doing will fulfil that obligation in the support given to those of the family of God. In elevating themselves above the divine Law, the leaders of the nation left themselves open to the challenging power of the words of the Lord Yahshua Christ. Verses 1-28 are repeated in the gospel of Mark 7:1-30 and it does well to compare the records to get a more complete picture. In Mat. 15:2 the Scribes and Pharisees ask a question, “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” The next 18 verses are required to include the Lord’s answer to them. By adhering to their traditions they ‘make the Word of God of none effect.’ Yahshua took them to the prophecy of Isaiah. 29:13 and whilst he only quoted one verse, they would be well aware of the context in which it was written; and in particular v. 14 which says, “… for the wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid.” • In Mat. 15:3-9 twice the Lord turns their words against them, “ye transgress the commandment by your tradition,” and again “ye have made the Word of God of none effect by your tradition;” thus he emphasised that it is so easy for them to justify their own traditions and overlook the Word of Life. Yahshua points out that it is the words which cometh out of the mouth being generated by the carnal mind which defileth a man, not unwashen hands. Compare v. 19 with Genesis. 6:5. In comparison to the empty words of the Scribes and Pharisees we are next introduced to a ‘faithful cry’ from a woman of ‘great faith’ (vv. 21-28). The woman was of Canaan and therefore an example to the people of Israel. For this section see ‘Nazareth Revisited,’ p. 312 (Logos Edition). • The devil referred to in v. 22 speaks of ‘people who are afflicted by severe diseases bodily or mentally.’ Following the words of the Lord to her, her answer brought a wonderful response from the Master, “O woman, great is thy faith… go thy way, Be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (v. 28). The chapter then takes us from the ‘crumbs of the master’s table’ to feeding 4,000 Gentiles (vv. 32-39). Again we are introduced to that One who said “I am the bread of Life” and so, as v. 38 records, 4,000 men besides women and children were fed which would approximate to 12,000 in total: the number of the Hope of Israel. Matthew’s record says that he came to the coasts of Magdala, which has the meaning of ‘a tower,’ the only other comparative record is in Mark 8:10 which says it was Dalmanutha which has the meaning of ‘a slow firebrand.’ — Logos.