In this chapter we learn Jesus’ definition of cleanliness (in contrast to the Pharisaical definition), and there are more instances of healing.
“And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’ And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’ ” (v5, 20-23)
Traditional law and teaching said a person was defiled (unclean) because of what went into them. There is truth in this from one perspective (germs, junk food, etc. affect our physical wellbeing), though Jesus is far more concerned with spiritual cleanliness. He says that Spiritual filth comes from within, from the sinful flesh, and evil desires / temptations – those are what make us truly unclean.
Of course Jesus isn’t saying that we shouldn’t practice good physical hygiene and housekeeping. What he’s saying is those things should come second to, or compliment, our spiritual hygiene practices. If we focus on washing the inside of the vessel first (our heart / spirit), then washing the outside of the vessel (our person and environment) compliments that. If we solely practice physical hygiene, as the Pharisees did, we will not meet God’s standards.
I’m not sure about you, but the older I get, the more I realize daily spiritual hygiene / refreshing is required. Maybe you can get away with taking a physical shower every second or third day, but in my opinion spiritual showers should be done daily, without fail. Even if we’re not confessing sin, spending daily time in prayer is still refreshing to our souls, like a cool shower on a hot day. Let’s focus on spiritual hygiene today, and every day going forward, as best we can.
Father God, our Righteous and Glorious Lord, we praise Your high and mighty name. Spirit please guide us into a time of spiritual washing / refreshing every single day. Jesus valued daily time with the Father, and as Christ followers we should as well. May we humble ourselves often, confess any sin, and fervently refresh ourselves in Your presence. Just as we have habits of physical hygiene, may we also establish rhythms of prayer and fellowship with You Father, washing our hearts in the blood of Jesus. In His holy and cleansing name we honor You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training