GOD'S TRUTH ABOVE MEN'S TEACHING Matthew 15:1-9 The legal washing of hands before eating was especially sacred in the eyes of the Pharisees. “He who does not wash His hands before eating,” says the Talmud, “is as bad as a murderer.” Jesus had no sympathy with a system that reduced religion to a sl... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT REALLY DEFILES Matthew 15:10-20 It is good to study our Lord's list of the sources of soul-pollution. _Evil thoughts_ come first. We cannot prevent an evil suggestion being presented to our minds, but we can refuse to dwell on it. To resist the inclination to dwell on it strengthens us in the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE REWARD OF AN OUTSIDER'S FAITH Matthew 15:21-28 A crumb from the table of our Lord can make the heart satisfied and glad. But the suppliant must take the right place and give Him His right place. This poor Gentile mother had no claim on Jesus as the son of David-He was therefore silent. It was... [ Continue Reading ]
MINISTERING TO THE MULTITUDES Matthew 15:29-39 Our Lord's mission of grace and truth was at its height. His help was sought with the utmost eagerness. Large numbers of sick were cast at His feet in hot haste. The crumb was given to the woman of Canaan, but whole loaves were distributed to the crow... [ Continue Reading ]