Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (GA)

Matthew 15:10-20

¹⁰ And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: ¹¹ it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” ¹² Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” ¹³ He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. ¹⁴ Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” ¹⁵ But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” ¹⁶ And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷ Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? ¹⁸ But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. ¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰ These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

There are many different teachers in the world. Some of them are blind guides. Some of them are wise guides. Be careful as to which you follow, and as to which you become. People are blinded by the things of this world, or age. Those that are wise have been made so through the word of God and the power fo the Holy Spirit.

But here in connection with taming your tongue, Jesus reminds us what makes us unclean. The main focus on being a person of God was cleanliness laws. Jesus boils them down to what comes out of a body makes it unclean. Therefore, when you go back to Leviticus you will not that going to the restroom makes you unclean, as well as other bodily expulsions yeild to uncleanness.

Therefore, it is what comes out of the body that makes one unclean. Jesus takes the focus on what you say, coming from your heart, or likewise your mind, makes you unclean. Remember: Love The Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul. What comes out of these will show where they actually lie.

We know that we do not always speak the truth. We do not always say what we should say. We do not always speak up when we should. We can use harsh words murdering our neighbor. We can use false thoughts to lead others astray. But never the less, you need to take in good things. You need to hear the word of God. You need to listen to the truth of Christ's sacrifice for your sins.

Jesus reminds us that these people are blind guides, but he is the way the truth and the life. Jesus lays down his life for your sins. He claims you to be his own. He washes out your mouth, your heart, your mind, and your spirit. He makes you clean and provides you with salvation.