“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.”– Mark 7:20 (KJV)
“And then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.'”– Mark 7:20 (NLT)
“He went on: ‘It’s what comes out of a person that’s the problem, not what goes in.'”– Mark 7:20 (MSG)
What Does Mark 7:20 Mean?
In the Bible, Mark 7:20 is a part of a larger conversation that Jesus has with the crowd and his disciples about cleanliness and what really makes a person unclean or defiled. When Jesus states that it is not what enters a person that defiles them, he turns the commonly held beliefs of the time upside down. The religious leaders had placed huge emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness and adherence to dietary laws. However, Jesus emphasizes that the heart is what truly matters. When he mentions that it is what comes out of a person, he refers to the thoughts, intentions, and actions that originate in one’s heart. These are the characteristics that ultimately shape us and define our moral and spiritual state.
This verse reveals that the true measure of a person’s character lies in their inner thoughts and motivations rather than external appearances. We are reminded that the heart can produce both good and evil, and it is our responsibility to nurture a heart aligned with God’s values. In essence, our actions reflect what is on the inside. If our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and integrity, our actions will reflect that goodness. If they are filled with anger, bitterness, and malice, then those qualities will spill out into our words and behaviors.
Mark 7:20 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we see Jesus addressing the Pharisees and scribes who were more focused on following the letter of the law than the spirit of the law. These religious leaders had rules about what foods could be eaten and how to wash hands before meals, which they believed made a person clean or unclean before God. Jesus challenged this narrow view, suggesting that what comes out of a person is what truly defines them. He urges us to look at the motivations behind our actions and the state of our hearts.
When Jesus speaks about the defilement that comes from within, he touches on a fundamental principle of human behavior. Each of us has the capacity for good and evil choices. Our thoughts and feelings can lead us to act in ways that honor God or distance us from Him. Matthew 15:19 echoes this sentiment by stating, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” When we allow negative attitudes and feelings to fill our hearts, they can result in sinful actions that harm ourselves and others.
The profound message of this verse is not simply a warning but also an encouragement to cultivate a heart that is aligned with God’s will. We are called to examine what is inside us—our thoughts and desires—and to seek to align our hearts with God’s righteousness. By doing so, we ensure that what comes out reflects God’s love, grace, and truth.
As we process this, it is important to remember that none of us are perfect. We all have moments where negative feelings or thoughts might creep in. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward creating change. Subsequently, we can actively surrender our negative thoughts to God and seek His guidance in transforming our hearts. The journey of faith involves continuous self-examination and a commitment to nurturing a spirit that seeks after God’s heart.
Context of Mark 7:20
To truly grasp the significance of Mark 7:20, we must understand the context in which Jesus spoke. The passage unfolds during a time when the religious leaders were scrutinizing Jesus’ disciples for not following traditional handwashing rituals. These laws were part of the Jewish culture and were deemed necessary for maintaining purity. However, Jesus redirected the focus from these external traditions to the heart of the matter: the internal state of individuals.
This conversation weaves through a larger narrative about the nature of genuine faith and spirituality. Jesus often interacted with those marginalized by society, challenging socially accepted religious practices. He frequently addressed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were more interested in outward appearances than true righteousness. In doing so, He highlights that authentic faith is about a heart transformation, not merely following rules.
The background of these discussions also reveals the tension between Jesus and established religious norms. The Pharisees were authority figures, and their emphasis on the law was profound. Jesus was offering a fresh perspective—one rooted in love and relationship with God rather than blind adherence to rules. This stance stirred controversy and placed Him at odds with the status quo.
This context is vital for us today. Just as Jesus urged the people of His time to examine their hearts, He calls us to do the same. It is easy to focus on what we do outwardly, conforming to societal standards or expectations. However, Jesus desires a deeper connection that transforms our inner selves. He invites us to engage in an introspective journey, leading us away from superficial faith towards a heart that actively seeks Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Mark 7:20
When we break down Mark 7:20, we see multiple layers of meaning that enhance our understanding. Jesus tells us explicitly that it is what comes out of a person that defiles them, which compels reflection on what we produce in our own lives. The key phrase here is “comes out of a person.” This concept leads us to analyze not only our actions but the underlying thoughts, feelings, and desires that fuel those actions.
Examining what it means to be defiled serves as a powerful reminder. When we think of purity and cleanliness, we typically associate them with external factors— what we eat or how we behave publicly. However, Jesus flips this expectation, emphasizing that moral purity is birthed in the heart. This understanding speaks volumes to us today. We live in a society where external appearances often seem more significant than character. Jesus challenges us to seek authenticity over appearances.
This verse encourages us to produce good fruits, as mentioned in Matthew 7:17, where Jesus teaches that “every good tree bears good fruit.” Our inner life can flourish like a good tree when rooted in love, truth, and integrity. An examination of our hearts reveals our true nature, allowing us to see if what springs forth aligns with our faith.
Lastly, we must also consider our role in influencing others. What we allow to dwell in our hearts inevitably affects those around us. Positivity can inspire hope and kindness, while negativity breeds discord and conflict. This principle is beautifully illustrated in Philippians 4:8, which urges us to set our minds on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. The outcome of such intentional thinking can transform relationships and communities.
Lessons to Learn From Mark 7:20
Mark 7:20 offers us invaluable lessons that resonate across generations. First, we learn about personal responsibility for our hearts. We are tasked with guarding not only what we do externally but also what we think and feel internally. Spiritual maturity is not merely a checklist for behaviors, but an understanding that our thoughts and intentions signify our true character.
Secondly, the importance of authenticity is highlighted. It is tempting to portray an image that aligns with social expectations. Jesus calls us away from false facades and urges us to embrace our complexities. We do not have to be perfect; instead, we can be open about our struggles. This vulnerability can lead to genuine connections with others, cultivating a faith community centered on grace and truth.
Next, we must also consider the influence of our environments. The attitudes and behaviors we allow into our lives can impact our hearts. Surrounding ourselves with positivity, truth, and encouragement fosters not only personal growth but community renewal. We can draw on scripts from Philippians 4:9, encouraging us to practice what we’ve learned and received, resulting in peace.
Finally, the call to nurture our relationship with God is irrefutable. As we spend time in prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship, we cultivate our hearts to be a reflection of His love. Consistent engagement helps us produce good fruits, creating positive outcomes not just in our lives but also in those whom we encounter.
Final Thoughts
Mark 7:20 reminds us of the heavy significance of our inner lives. Our hearts play a profound role in shaping our character and actions. It is essential to continue evaluating what we allow to dwell within us, ensuring our thoughts and intentions align with God’s truth. Let us embrace this transformative journey together, acknowledging that perfect behavior is not the goal but an authentic relationship with God that permeates our lives.
As we reflect on Jesus’ message, we can find encouragement in our growth. We all struggle with negative thoughts and behaviors at times, but we are not alone on this journey. Let us seek to cultivate hearts filled with the love of Christ and extend that love outward to the world around us. For those interested in exploring different passages of scripture and enhancing our spiritual journey, be sure to check out more topics like Matthew 11 for deeper insights.