1. Hearts far from God (1-11)

Some religious leaders traveled from Jerusalem to Gennesaret to confront Jesus. His disciples ate with unwashed hands and broke a long-standing Jewish tradition. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. They disobeyed God's commands about honoring parents to keep non-Biblical rules about offerings. Although the Pharisees and teachers of the law appeared very religious, their hearts were, in fact, far from God. They cared more about human regulations than God's clear word. Then Jesus directly addressed the eating concern. It is not what goes in, but what comes out of the mouth, that defiles a person.

2. What is in your heart? (12-20)

Jesus explained that food eaten with unwashed hands does not affect one's relationship with God. Rather, what comes out of our mouths is what defiles us because that comes from our heart. The heart is the source of all kinds of evil thoughts. Instead of becoming smug with our outward behavior, we need Jesus to cleanse our hearts daily and the Holy Spirit to transform us.


Application: Father, please cleanse the evil from my heart so that I may wholeheartedly obey you.
One Word: Is your heart right with God?