Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:10-14
This parable defines the essence of life with Jesus. The words of Jesus epitomize the conflict between God and religion.
Very simply, religion tells you to worship God through human rules. Jesus tells you to worship Him in Spirit and Truth.
The work of God begins in your heart and then the personality of Christ appears in your life.
You cannot change your heart by keeping rules or doing works.
Religion attempts to convince you that Christ comes to you by works. This is a lie of Satan.
Jesus begins in the heart. It is the life of Christ living in you through the Holy Spirit that changes you into a Christ follower.
The analogy in this parable is comparing what you to eat to your thoughts and words.
The religious leaders condemned Jesus for not abiding by the Jewish laws concerning what you eat. Jesus responded that what you eat has no bearing on your relationship with God.
Jesus said you have to be planted in God or you will be uprooted. And, religion is blinded to God and will lead you astray.
He explained that what you eat can’t defile you. Food provides you with nourishment and then leaves your body. But your words come directly from your heart.
They define your standing with Christ!
Hal Hollister Ministry 