“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”– Matthew 15:11 (KJV)
“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”– Matthew 15:11 (NLT)
“It’s not what you swallow that pollutes your life; it’s what you vomit up.”– Matthew 15:11 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 15:11 Mean?
Matthew 15:11 carries a profound message about the nature of what truly defines us. In the context of the passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were concerned about ceremonial cleanliness and traditions. They believed that eating certain foods would make a person unclean, but Jesus flips this notion on its head. He teaches that it is not the food that enters our mouths, but the words that emanate from our hearts that hold the true power to define our character. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our words and actions as a true mirror of our inner selves.
By saying that it’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles, Jesus is emphasizing that our outward actions, like our diet, do not determine our spiritual or moral standing before God. Instead, it is the condition of our hearts and the words we speak that reveal our true character and intentions. We must remember that every word we say has the potential to uplift or harm others. Thus, we are called to be mindful of our speech, as it can reflect our innermost thoughts and feelings.
Matthew 15:11 Explanation and Commentary
To digest the meaning behind Matthew 15:11, we should consider what Jesus was communicating about the nature of sin and defilement. The Jewish leaders often held tightly to traditions that focused on external practices as a means of righteousness. However, Jesus points them toward a more profound truth about human nature. This teaching is significant for several reasons.
Firstly, it highlights the difference between external actions and internal intentions. Jesus clarifies that simply following dietary laws or religious rituals doesn’t make someone righteous. True righteousness comes from within, manifesting through our words and actions. This teaching is echoed in many other parts of the Scriptures. For example, in Proverbs 4:23, we learn to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. This aligns perfectly with Jesus’ message, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a heart that is pure and filled with love, patience, and kindness.
Secondly, Jesus’ statement challenges us to think critically about our speech. Words are powerful. They can bring life or cause death. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Therefore, each time we speak, we should ask ourselves whether our words are building others up or tearing them down. This will have a lasting impact not only on those around us but also on ourselves, as we are also affected by the words we choose to express. Speaking with love and truth can foster a community of faith, encouragement, and joy.
Finally, we see that Jesus ultimately points us to grace. He understands that we are all imperfect beings who can easily slip into judging others based on appearances rather than their hearts. The beauty of the Gospel is that it recognizes our tendency to fail, yet it guides us to the remedy-Jesus Himself. He invites us into a relationship with Him where healing of our hearts can begin and transformation can occur. This passage calls us to reflect not only on how we view ourselves but also how we view and treat others.
Context of Matthew 15:11
Understanding the context of Matthew 15:11 is essential for grasping its full meaning. This passage occurs in a larger dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions. They questioned Jesus about why His disciples did not wash their hands before eating, which was a ceremonial practice rooted in Jewish tradition.
In response, Jesus counters their concerns with teachings that show their hypocrisy. He explains that the Pharisees were focusing on the external actions while neglecting the internal realities of the heart. This context is crucial, as it reveals how Jesus turned the attention away from mere rituals to genuine faith and the essence of our relationship with God. He is challenging not only the Pharisees but also all who hear His teachings to seek deeper truths in their spiritual journeys.
Furthermore, this confrontation gives insight into the nature of human concern over traditions and religious practices. We often find ourselves caught in the web of rituals without examining the motives behind them. Are we following traditions because they draw us closer to God, or simply out of obligation? This question invites introspection and self-examination of our faith practices. Reading Matthew 15 as part of the larger narrative helps us recognize the continuous invitation to seek true purity that comes from God.
This situation isn’t just historical; it is a challenge we face today. How often do we focus on what is outside, like appearances and rituals, versus what is inside—the heart’s condition? Understanding this context gives depth to Jesus’ teachings and reminds us that faith requires a heart transformation, not just blind adherence to rituals.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 15:11
Each part of the verse carries deep meaning. Let us break this down to grasp its full significance. The first part declares, “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man.” This emphasizes that the food we consume does not affect our relationship with God. It signals a departure from legalism, which often places undue focus on dietary laws.
Then, He states, “but that which cometh out of the mouth.” Here, we are drawn to the understanding that something profound is happening when we express ourselves verbally. Our words reveal what’s inside us and indicate our character and moral health.
The importance of this statement reinforces the idea that our internal attitudes influence our external expressions. So, what we speak reflects our beliefs, emotions, and thoughts.
Lastly, “this defileth a man” serves as a powerful warning. It indicates that harmful words can have damaging effects. By mentioning defilement, Jesus is encouraging us to be astute regarding our speech. Harsh words, lies, gossips, and anger all originate from a heart that has not been aligned with God’s love. This should inspire us to create a practice of love-filled speech, seeking to be channels of grace and encouragement to others.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 15:11
There are essential lessons we can extract from Matthew 15:11 that apply to our lives today. One principal lesson is the reminder that we must focus on our internal state more than our external behavior. God is interested in our hearts, not just our actions. Scripture often supports this through passages like 1 Samuel 16:7, where it says, “The Lord looks at the heart.” This encourages us to cultivate hearts that are reflective of God’s nature, loving, patient, and compassionate.
Another vital lesson is the recognition of the power of our words. Every time we speak, we have the opportunity to build others up or tear them down. As followers of Christ, we need to adopt a mindset that considers the impact of our words. This echoes James 3:9–10, which says, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings.” Let’s strive to speak life and truth into the lives of others, creating an atmosphere that promotes encouragement and hope.
Furthermore, this verse leads us to acknowledge the beauty of grace in our imperfections. Jesus came for the broken and took upon Himself our mistakes—this fills us with hope! Whenever we fall short of our words reflecting our true nature, God invites us to confess, repent, and receive His forgiveness. It is through His grace that we can aspire to align our speech with righteousness and love.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on Matthew 15:11, we are reminded of the importance of looking inward, cultivating our hearts, and being mindful of our speech. We are all responsible for the words we speak and how they affect our relationships and communities. As we grow in understanding the power of our words, let us strive to be a people known for love, truth, and grace. By focusing on our hearts, we can truly mirror Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
As we strive to live out these truths in our everyday interactions, let us not forget the importance of exploring scripture further. We can grow deeper in our faith by considering related passage such as Matthew 11 and how it enhances our knowledge and understanding of our mission to reflect His grace and love.