Passage
Mark 7:1-23 (ESV)
Take Words with You
Hosea 14:1-9
Key Verse: 14:2
The True Cause of Defilement
Date: Mar. 29, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 7:15
First, was it from God or from man? (1-13). The Pharisees and the teachers of the law saw the disciples eating with unwashed hands and were totally shocked. To them, it was simple: defiled hands led to defiled food and defiled food led to a defiled person. How could Jesus tolerate such a flagrant disregard for tradition? But to Jesus, the religious leaders' blind adherence to such traditions was merely a pretense of godliness. They were the real problem! They judged and burdened others with a wide variety of man-made rules and regulations while ignoring the very word and will of God.
Second, what truly defiles (14-23). Sin does not enter our body from the outside, but starts in our own hearts. From our hearts come evil thoughts of every sort from theft and murder to deceit and sexual immorality. These evil thoughts and desires are what truly defile us. All of us were born with such sinful and depraved hearts. We desperately need the new heart that only Jesus can provide.
Prayer: Father, give me a pure heart to seek and know your will. Help me to obey your word and not my own ideas.
One Word: Love God; obey God's word
