• Story Formed is a teaching series that explores how we are shaped by the stories we believe.

• In this episode, we examine Matthew 15:1-20, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and their misplaced trust in religious traditions.

• The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail—a humorous example of someone refusing to acknowledge reality—serves as a metaphor for how we often ignore the deeper issues in our hearts.

• Jesus teaches that our deepest issue isn’t external but internal—our hearts need transformation, not just behavior modification.

• We explore Ezekiel 36:25-27 and God’s promise to give us a new heart, showing how the gospel is not about self-improvement but about surrender to Jesus.

• Paul’s story in Philippians 3 reminds us that religious devotion and good works are not enough; only faith in Christ can make us right with God.

• The call of the gospel: We are more sinful than we dare believe, yet more loved than we dare hope (Tim Keller).

Questions to consider:

• Are you striving to prove yourself to God, or are you trusting in His grace?

• What stories have shaped your understanding of faith?

• How is God calling you to trust Him more deeply?