“These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”– Matthew 15:20 (KJV)
“These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”– Matthew 15:20 (NLT)
“It’s what comes out of your mouth that defiles you. It’s your heart, not the dish, that matters.”– Matthew 15:20 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 15:20 Mean?
In Matthew 15:20, Jesus is addressing the important issue of how we define what is truly clean or unclean. In ancient Jewish culture, there were strict rules about cleanliness, especially regarding food and how it was prepared. However, Jesus turns these ideas upside down by explaining that it is not the external actions, like washing hands before eating, that make a person unclean. Instead, it is the thoughts and intentions of the heart that truly matter. He emphasizes that the things we say and do from our heart are what can defile us.
When we think about this concept, it becomes clear that cleanliness is more about what is inside us rather than how we appear on the outside. Jesus makes an essential point that might challenge our everyday assumptions. It is not enough to simply follow rules about hygiene or traditions if our heart is full of negative thoughts, anger, or malicious intent. The heart is the source of our words and actions, meaning we need to focus on our internal state.
Matthew 15:20 Explanation and Commentary
As we examine this verse, we can reflect on how we approach our lives and relationships. Many times, we may worry about how we present ourselves to others. We want to follow the customs and rituals that society places upon us. While sharing meals and being polite is essential, let us not forget that the motivations behind our actions are what shape our character.
In this scripture, Jesus points out a deeper understanding of spirituality. He challenges us to reconsider our priorities. When we focus less on external appearances and more on purifying our hearts, we might find peace, joy, and love blossom in our lives. In fact, when we fill our hearts with good things, good things will naturally come out in our conversations and actions. Think about love, compassion, and kindness. When they reside in our hearts, they will overflow into our interactions with everyone.
In addition, this verse leads us to a deeper understanding of human nature. Everyone struggles with negative thoughts or feelings at times. What we need is not merely rules and regulations but heartfelt change. Jesus calls us to examine our thoughts, intentions, and motives. The change within requires effort, such as prayer, seeking guidance in Scriptures, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. This is more than a belief system; it is a lifestyle that embraces the Gospel message, which calls us to love and serve one another.
Context of Matthew 15:20
The context of Matthew 15 reveals important interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees, who were very focused on the laws and rituals of the Jewish faith. They challenged Jesus about why His disciples did not adhere to the traditional practice of washing their hands before eating. The Pharisees saw this as a violation of their customs and a reason to judge the disciples as unclean. Jesus’ response turns their focus away from mere rituals and towards the true nature of sin and defilement.
This moment illustrates a vast divide between religious traditions that emphasize outward appearance and the heart’s condition, which Jesus prioritizes. By explaining that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, but what comes out, He highlights the importance of our words and actions, born out of the core of who we are. This teaching challenges the listeners, then and now, to redefine what they see as important in their spiritual walk with God.
By understanding the broader conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees, we realize that their rigid adherence to rules can often lead to judgment and condemnation of others. Jesus invites us into a more compassionate, understanding approach to spirituality. He urges us not to become trapped in legalism but to recognize the deeper, transformative work He does within us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 15:20
The key parts of Matthew 15:20 revolve around several profound ideas. Jesus tells us that “it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles you.” This emphasizes that our speech can reflect the truths or lies that dwell in our hearts. Words hold power; they can give life or bring destruction. As a community, we must be mindful of our conversations, striving to speak kindly and truthfully.
Next, we should ponder the phrase “your heart, not the dish, that matters.” This language serves as a metaphor for life; it encourages us to look beyond the surface and examine what truly matters. It isn’t the rituals or how well we can adhere to laws that make us right with God. Instead, our relationship with Him is far more valuable. True spirituality is reflected in how we treat others and manage our internal thoughts.
By breaking down these components, we see a compelling invitation to self-reflection. We can ask ourselves: What do our words say about who we are? Are we focused on cleaning our hearts or following rules? This examination will allow us to foster better relationships and a deeper connection with God.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 15:20
From this passage, several essential lessons emerge. First, we learn that sincerity starts from within. It prompts us to prioritize our heart’s condition over surface-level appearances. It’s easy to follow external rituals, but true spiritual growth requires us to dig deeper, to invest time and energy into self-examination.
Additionally, we find the importance of the words we speak. Every day, we have opportunities to lift up those around us or tear them down with our speech. We should strive to be people who speak words of encouragement, building others up and creating a positive atmosphere in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Our words can foster a climate of trust and love; let us choose wisely.
Finally, this verse reminds us that being part of a faith community involves supporting one another in the journey of spiritual growth. We may not always have everything figured out, but walking together in grace allows us to hold each other accountable and encourage transformation in our hearts. Let’s embrace community as a cornerstone of our faith, sharing our struggles and victories alike.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 15:20 invites us to reflect on what it means to genuinely live out our faith. It challenges us to prioritize our inner state over mere external compliance. As we internalize this message, let us commit to nurturing our hearts, filling them with good things, which will then manifest in our words and actions.
As we walk this journey together, let us help one another cultivate a community marked by love and kindness. The path may be challenging, but it’s worth the pursuit of authentic living that reflects the heart of Jesus. Together, we can grow spiritually and witness the power of a transformed heart, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our own lives.
For more insights into the teachings of Jesus, feel free to explore other passages, such as Matthew 11, which speaks about the rest and peace found in Him. Spiritual growth is a lifelong adventure that we can journey through together.