I've been reading, just not blogging my thoughts. Sorry for the silence the past couple of days.
I don't have anything really profound to say about this chapter, just some observations:
1. The Pharisees are creepers. They stalk Jesus and His disciples, waiting for a slip-up so they can tattle-tale. They must be watching closely, because all they could come up with in verse 2 is "Why don't your disciples wash their hands before they eat?" Jesus, of course, comes back with a brilliant example of their hypocrisy and their breaking of God's commands. Then, He continues on talking to the multitudes that follow Him everywhere. I know that I've been a hypocrite several times in my life, but these guys irritate the heck out of me!
2. Verse 11: "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
How much time do you think we spend thinking about what goes INTO our mouths? Personally, it probably amounts to several hours per week. Planning meals for the days ahead. Time spent at the grocery store. Time spent thinking about what I'm craving. Sitting in a restaurant contemplating the menu. Sitting in church thinking about lunch plans (yes, we have all done it.) Talking about food while eating food! I live in one of the most health-conscious cities in America- people here make food their life. They spend their lives counting calories and carbs, eliminating gluten, meat, and dairy, reviewing restaurants and getting snobby about going local. We have made it a religion. Jesus is referring to the Pharisee's preoccupation with their religion: it included ceremonial washings and dietary regulations. They were so focused on their rules, they completely missed what truly matters- their hearts.
"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 unwashed hands does not defile a man." Matt 15:19-20
2 comments:
Hi Crystal - I hadn't even considered that about Boulder. I mean, I'm aware of it, but I think I've eagerly fallen right into some of these habits you mention and been captivated by the options of local, organic, etc. around here. Thanks for the reminder that there is no life there. That that "well" is ultimately dry and that there's living water that Jesus offers that really will satisfy. Loving your blog and the thoughts you're sharing. Keep it up!
thank you sweet friend! loving yours as well! so much wisdom to glean :)
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