Have you ever felt weighed down: trying to meet other people’s expectations or live by rules that seemed to miss the point? In Matthew 15, Jesus addresses something similar. The Pharisees confront Him, upset because His disciples aren’t following their tradition of washing hands before eating. To us, that might sound like nitpicking, but for them, this ritual was a big deal.
Jesus doesn’t hold back. He calls them out, saying they care more about their traditions than God’s heart. Then He drops a truth bomb: it’s not what goes into your mouth that makes you “unclean,” but what comes out of your heart. Think about that. Purity isn’t about appearances or checking boxes—it’s about the kind of person you are deep inside.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on outward things, isn’t it? We might worry about how we look to others or whether we’re doing the “right” things, but Jesus is after something much deeper. He’s asking, What’s in your heart? Are your words kind? Do your actions reflect love? That’s what truly matters to Him.
Later in the chapter, Jesus meets a woman whose story takes this idea even further. She’s a Canaanite, a Gentile, someone the Jews would have considered an outsider. She comes to Jesus, begging Him to heal her daughter. At first, He seems to brush her off—His mission was to the Israelites. But she doesn’t give up. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table,” she says, boldly yet humbly.
And Jesus is amazed. He praises her faith and grants her request. What a powerful reminder that God’s love and grace aren’t limited by boundaries we might think exist. This woman—an outsider by every standard—becomes an example of the kind of faith that moves mountains.
This story is both comforting and challenging. Comforting, because it reminds us that God cares about what’s in our hearts, not how we measure up to human standards. Challenging, because it asks us to think about how we view others. Do we put up walls or assume some people are “outsiders” to God’s grace? Jesus shows us there’s room at the table for everyone.
1. Are there ways you’ve focused more on outward appearances than on your heart?
2. How can you shift your focus to let God transform your heart this week?
3. Who in your life needs to be reminded that God’s love is for them, too?
Shall we pray? Jesus, thank You for caring about what really matters—our hearts. Forgive me for the times I’ve focused more on appearances or judged others unfairly. Help me grow in love and humility, and give me the kind of faith that amazes You. Teach me to extend Your grace to everyone I meet. Amen.
How does this passage challenge or encourage you? Have you seen God’s grace break down walls in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s keep the conversation going!
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