1. Hearts far from God and his word (1-13)

The Pharisees knew the Bible, but they lived according to the rules and traditions of their culture. They were religious, but they did not know God or love him from the heart. So they saw sin as only a moral and religious problem. They criticized Jesus' disciples for not observing handwashing ceremonies. Jesus taught both them and his disciples that the root of sin is found in a selfish heart that has no room for God, no obedience of his word and no love for mankind. He gave an example of how they manipulated the law--even the Ten Commandments--to suit their convenience and feed their selfishness.

2. What really defiles a person? (14-23)

Jesus spoke to the crowd and explained in detail to his dull disciples. It is the corrupted heart that defiles a person. If the heart is full of evil, the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the acts we do defile us and pollute our society.

Application: Lord, cleanse my corrupted heart by the blood of Jesus. Help me to love you, obey your word, and love my neighbors.
One Word: Love God; hold on to his word