Today’s Reading: Matthew 15:1-20
I just love how Jesus addresses the disciples each time they ask him to explain a parable. It is almost like he is saying come on now, this is not difficult to understand, this is common sense when you think about it. I think so many times we believe that following Jesus is the hard way, when it really is the easiest way. Now I am not saying that it will be smooth sailing and that we won’t face many trials because, just to be frank, we will, but when we follow Jesus our reactions to those trials and situations are different than others. When we place all our dependence upon Christ and allow him to lead our life than we can not only enjoy the blessings that he freely gives to us all, but we can also hand over our worries and problems to him. Who else would do that for you? Who else would take everything bad that happens to you and put it on themselves? Who else will cast all your sin away for you to never think about again? No one, but Jesus. When a trial comes our way we can have confidence in our Savior, we can have confidence in knowing that even when trials seem unbearable, Jesus will never leave us.
In these scriptures Jesus, once again is trying to make a powerful point. We should never forget that whether we think a tradition is good or bad, it is still a man-made command. I don’t think that Jesus was saying there was something wrong with washing your hands before you ate, but he was saying is that really so important. When a rule or tradition stands in the way of putting God first then it is wrong. Sadly, I think there are many in the world and even in the church today that honor Jesus with their lips but not with their hearts. Is it really the unclean food that makes us impure? No, certainly not. What a point Jesus---what goes in the mouth will eventually leave the body, but what the mouth speaks you can’t always get rid of. I think about all the things that have been said that caused hurt and pain to others. I think about the lack of love that is shown through the words that people use. I think about the people that were turned off by Christians because of words spoken. When I begin to think about it, doesn’t ever sin begin with speaking it in some way? Just think about that. Our words are what make us unclean, not our unwashed hands. Jesus even says that out of the heart does these words come, words that lead to evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
This makes me really evaluate what I say. Am I turning people on to Jesus or off to Jesus with my words?
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