Cleanse First that Which is Within - Matthew 23:26

Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse twenty-six of his book Matthew shared how Jesus said, “cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” where we read:

You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter,

that the outside of them may be clean also.

The verse reads, “You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “you blind Pharisee” which means “you impious, dull, stupid, heedless and absurd ones who are leaders and teachers of the ignorant and inexperienced who were 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”, “cleanse first” or “clean free from defilement of sin and faults principally and chiefly” “that which is within the cup” which means “the filth that is inside the drinking vessel” “and platter” or “and the dish used for dainties or choice food suited not so much to satisfy as to gratify the appetite”. Matthew shared how Jesus instructed the “Pharisees” to make it a priority to “clean the sin and faults” within them.

The verse goes on to say, “... that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew added the words, “that the outside of them” which means “so the outward appearance of the cup and platter” “may be clean also” or “will be clean free from defilement of sin and faults as well”. Matthew shared how Jesus concluded that the “outward appearance” of the “Pharisees” would be made “clean” by first “cleansing” their inward parts.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we learn how God is interested in that which is “within” a person more than that which presented on the “outside”. Many people attempt to keep their “outward appearance” beautiful before others, but their true character is demonstrated through their thoughts, attitudes and actions. King David of Israel wrote, “Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom”, (Psalm 51:6), and God already knows what lies within. He wants to have a relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when a person comes before God honestly, humbly and openly before Him with a desire to be forgiven for their “sins and faults”, He is willing not only to forgive them, but also to provide them with “everlasting life”.

Next time we see Matthew write how Jesus tells the scribe and Pharisees how they, “are like unto whited sepulchers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.