Matters of the Heart
(Pollution of the Heart)
Mark 7 is interesting. It begins with Christ teaching on the defilement of the heart, by the traditions of men. These religious leaders were so blinded by ritualism; they could no longer hear or even receive the authoritative teachings of Christ. So many of the teachings passed down, from generation to generation, seemingly invalidated the word of God.
Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye hreject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (7:1-13).
We see this happening in our churches today! We are so busy declaring and decreeing when there should be more reading and studying.
This leads us to todays focus. Here, we witness a beautiful teaching moment. Like so many other moments, the disciples needed “clarity.” Christ uses a parable as the vehicle for the explanation.
And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear (7:14-16).
Physical pollution cannot cause spiritual pollution. Nor can outward traditions or ceremonies, cleanse a man’s heart. It is a heart issue! The passage continues with mention of things that defile the heart…
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, ncovetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man (7:20-23).
Wow! This list is an expression of the true nature of our hearts. God is not impressed with religious traditions. Without the love of Christ in our hearts, we are wicked. It is truly, a heart issue.