Read Mark 7:1-23
Observations:
This passage is part of a narrative. Jesus has been healing the sick and challenging some of the traditional "laws" regarding the Sabbath. The Pharisees observe the disciples eating without ceremonial washing and confront Jesus about it. Jesus refers back to Isaiah, noting how the people "honor" with lip service, but the HEART is far from Him. He attacks the idea that calling "Corban" negates the principle of honoring, taking care of, and providing for one's parents. Jesus explains its not the externals that defile someone. (Here Mark notes that Jesus has declared all food clean at this point.) It is what is in the heart that defiles, for that is where evil comes from.
Principles Observed from the passage:
1. Traditions are not part of the gospel.
2. Lip service is not good enough for God.
3. The heart is most important.
4. Motives matter.
5. Follow the spirit of the law, not just the letter, looking for loopholes.
6. Defilement comes from within, not from externals. Thus, circumstances do not give evil men an excuse. Their evil comes from evil hearts.
Other observations:
List of evil:
evil thoughts
sexual immorality
theft
murder
adultery
coveting
wickedness
deceit
sensuality
envy
slander
pride
foolishness
*When the heart is not involved, my worship is vain, empty, hypocritical and adding to the Word of God.
Mark 7:6--"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me..."
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