Mark 7:20-23. – And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting , wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and define a person.”
Observation-
Jesus is answering the disciples question about what defiles a person. There is nothing from outside that enters a person that can make them unclean. Rather, it is what comes from inside a person’s heart that is evil. Therefore the ceremonial cleansing from the Mosaic law is tradition that does not to a changed heart.
Application-
Jesus comes to fulfill the Mosaic law. The law is not able to be kept and does not lead to a new heart filled with mercy that God desires of us. In other words, I can know scripture and feel religious/righteous without having a purified heart surrendered to Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can lead a changed life internally not just intellectually. I must follow Jesus, have compassion and mercy for the things that burden him and live a changed life for him.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and sending Jesus to save me. Let me be a person with a heart that loves you and others not someone who practices religion.