[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 15
Bible Verses:
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:8-9)
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” (Matthew 15:11)
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” (Matthew 15:19)
“Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.” (Matthew 15:28)
CLEAN AND UNCLEAN (vs. 1-20)
Some Pharisees and teachers of the law accused Jesus’ disciples of violating the traditions by not washing their hands before they eat. Christ’s used the Word to silence His accusers. He pointed out their own disobedience by dedicating their possessions to God and releasing themselves from any obligation to care for their parents. Christ showed them that their religion was not of the hearts but was merely external actions. He emphasized that true righteousness comes from within.
JEsus declared that the Pharisees’ traditions were null and void. He used plainlogic by citing how can food defile a man when they do not go into his heart? Christ explained that holiness is what comes out of the heart.
Human traditions vs. God’s truth:
- Human tradition is an outward showing that brings bondage while God’s truth is an inward faith that brings liberty.
- Human traditions consist of trifling rules and strict laws while God’s truth are basic principles with the Spirit of the law.
- Human traditions are man made laws that exalt men while God’s truth are God breathe words that humbles men.
- Human traditions produce “religious piety” that results in death while God’s word instill true holiness that produces life.
THE FAITH OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN (vs. 21-28)
This Canaanite woman was a Gentile who approached Jesus to heal her daughter suffering terrible from demon possed.
HOW DID JESUS RESPONDED?
- He did not answer (v. 23)
- He refused (v. 24)
- He seemed to rebuke her (v. 26)
- He rewarded her faith (v. 28)
JESUS FEEDS THE FOUR THOUSAND (vs. 29-35)
When Jesus went to the mountain side of Galilee, great crowds came and brought the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others. Jesus healed them all.
Since the people were with him three days, Jesus had compassion on them and asked his disciples to give them something to eat. There were 7 loaves and few small fish available. Jesus, took them, gave thanks, broke them and gave them to the disciples for distribution. Alla te and were satisfied with 7 baskets of leftovers. The number who ate was 4000 besides women and children.
COMPARISON OF FEEDING THE 5000 VS. FEEDING THE 4000
FEEDING OF 5000 FEEDING OF 4000 People – Jews People – Gentiles Place – Galilee, Bethsaida Place – Decapolis Quantity – 5 loaves & 2 fish Quantity – 7 loaves & few fish Leftovers – 12 baskets Leftovers – 7 baskets Season – Spring Season – Summer Duration with Jesus – 1 day Duration with Jesus – 3 days
This shows that Christ not only wants to save and satisfy the Jews, he also includes the Gentiles.
APPLICATION:
- We must not follow human tradition when it contradicts with God’s truth.
- True religion comes from the heart. When you believe, love, sing, give, obey and pray, they must all come from the heart.
- The two people that Jesus commended for their GREAT FAITH were both Gentiles. Do you have Great Faith in God?
- The feeding of the 5000 and 4000 showed that God had compassion to both the Jews and Gentiles. He healed the sick and fed the hungry. It proved that God cares for us and satisfies our needs. So trust in His provision and protection.
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