Monday, February 20, 2006

Matthew Fifteen

Chapter 15

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=15&version=31

1 - 9 The Tradition of the Elders

The Pharisees are upset that Jesus & his disciples didn't wash their hands before eating. My note: The Pharisees' traditional interpretation of the Jewish law, passed on orally and believed by them to have been give with the written law on Mount Sinai.

10 - 20 Things that Defile

Jesus: "It is not what goes into the mouth that defile, but what comes out of the mouth." He says the Pharisees are the "blind guides leading the blind." Bad things that come out of the heart: evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. "These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile. (Although it might make you physically sick not to wash your hands). His point is, I think, that you should keep the commandments (big things) and not quibble about the oral tradition (small things).

21 - 28 The Canaanite Woman's Faith

A woman's daughter is tormented by a demon. The disciples want to send her away because she's hysterical, but Jesus says he was sent for the "lost sheep of Israel" and because of the woman's faith, the girl is healed instantly.

29 - 31 Jesus Cures Many People

The people praise "the god of Israel" perhaps suggesting that they aren't Jews.

32 - 39 Feeding the Four Thousand

Seven loaves and a fish go a long way.

1 comment:

Karlton said...

Answer: 4 For God said, "Honor your father and mohter," and "Whoever speaks evil of the traditon, you make me void or mother must surely die." 5. But you say whoever tells father or mother, "Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God," then that person need not honor the father. 6. So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God.

He's accusing them of violating the commandment to honor your father and mother.