In Matthew 15:1-20, the Pharisees and teachers of the law criticize Jesus' disciples for not following the traditional Jewish rituals of handwashing before eating. Jesus responds by pointing out their hypocrisy, saying that they prioritize human traditions over God's commandments. He quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

Jesus explains that it is not what goes into the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart. He lists sins like evil thoughts, murder, adultery, theft, lying, and slander, all of which come from the heart and defile a person. This teaching challenges the idea that external rituals are what make someone clean, emphasizing instead the importance of inner purity and righteousness.

Preacher: Jake Hunt

Translator: Pavel Kasík

Passage: Matthew 15:1-20