Matthew 15:15-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Think back over the last two meditations on Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees in the Gennesaret, and then read Matthew 15:15-20.
As we have seen earlier, parables are stories Jesus uses to illustrate deeper truths, but in speaking to the crowd about the origins of defilement, it seems Jesus is simply stating the facts. Everything that is un-shalom comes from within. It is in the heart - the intellect and emotions - that evil and violence are born, and no ceremony, rite, or rule can fix that.
Even Jesus’ closets followers have a hard time understanding this. They are all Israelites born and raised under a distorted religious system that demands good outward behavior, and in their understanding, guilt over transgressions can only be appeased through rituals and displays of sacrifice. In contrast, Jesus’ radical message of inner purity appears impossible and therefore must be an illustration of something else.
Take a moment to reflect on the relationship between your inner world and your outward behavior. Share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Matthew 15:15-20 again noting anything that stands out to you in this reading.
The only way to achieve good and pure behavior is to have a good and pure heart, and therein lies the problem. We are incapable in and of ourselves to obtain absolute purity of thought and intention. We stand in need of a Savior who has the willingness and ability to set things right in our inner world.
As you near the end of this time of meditation, speak openly and honestly with Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling about his message of inner purity. Then go to silence and listen to him.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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