Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus, “called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand. Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man”, and in chapter fifteen and verse twelve of his book, Matthew shares how Jesus' disciples ask Him if He knew, “that the Pharisees were offended” where we read:
Then came his disciples, and said unto him,
Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
The verse reads, “Then came his disciples, and said unto him, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “then” which means “at that moment and time” “came his disciples” or “approached and came for the Jesus' students, pupils and attendants” “and said” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed” “unto him” which refers to “Jesus”. Matthew shared how Jesus' “disciples” approached Him after He made the proclamation concerning “being defiled”.
The verse goes on to say, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” Matthew continued with the words, “do you know” which means “ Jesus are you aware, do you perceive, understand, notice and discern” “that the Pharisees” which means “that the sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fasting, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety who prided themselves on their fancied good works” “were offended” or “were tripped up, began to distrust, judged unfavorably and unjustly and caused displeasure”, “after they heard” which means “when they understood, perceived, comprehended and considered” “this saying” or “the utterance of Jesus concerning defilement”? Matthew shared how Jesus' disciples wondered if He knew the “Pharisees” were “tripped up and caused displeasure” because He spoke the words about being “defiled” by what comes out of a man.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the disciples must have noticed the “Pharisees” reacted negatively to Jesus' words concerning “defilement”. More than likely they knew He was talking about them, and because they were known as the “religious leaders” of their day, the disciples were concerned. Jesus had no problem “offending” someone or “hurting their feelings” if they were believing wrongly. God desires people to follow Him and His ways, and Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). All other ways, regardless of how they make a person “feel” or what a person “believes”, are misleading and wrong and they separate a person from God. The “Pharisees” were prideful religious leaders who were “defiled” from within, and anyone who examines their own life should examine themselves to be certain they are not “defiled” in their heart like these objecting “Pharisees”.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus tells His disciples what happens with, “every plant, which my heavenly Father has not planted”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
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