Pollution in the Soul
Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Mark 7:1-23
Introduction – Not for a Million Dollars
An inner-city health clinic, sponsored partly by Church funds, was blessed with the volunteer services of a doctor and two nurses from their local church. These three dedicated Christians had decided to devote one full year of their lives to this mission. It was not only physical medicine they were giving to the people, it was an unusual caring quality they were offering. One night an old man was carried in on a stretcher. He was a skid-row type: alcoholic, dirty, smelly. It takes an experience like this to discover how badly a human being in this condition can smell. The man’s leg was a mass of infection. He had suffered an injury and allowed it to go unattended for days. When he was brought in, one of the volunteer nurses immediately knelt beside the stretcher and began to clean the wound and prepare it for the doctor who had been summoned. Next to her stood a newspaper reporter. He had been assigned to do a feature story on the health clinic. Feeling sick from the ugly sight and the unbearable stench, he turned away from the stretcher. With his back turned, he said to the nurse kneeling at the stretcher, "I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars." And the nurse replied quietly, "Neither would I."
Not for a million dollars, but because we have experienced the living Presence of God loving us; because we have this burning desire, through our servant ministry, we desire to share that Presence with the world!
Jesus entered into the world of humanity determined to pay the price of redemption for man’s infected and polluted nature. The stench is horrible! The situation was desperate! It is surprising that He was able to stomach the filth. But He did for you and me.
Notice how Jesus responded to the people.
The Pharisee’s and scribes made Shallow Accusations in verses 1-5.
The Pharisee’s and scribes could find no fault in Jesus so they went to Plan B where they could make accusations against His disciples. He would then lose honor in the eyes of the people. The word for unwashed here does not refer only to the outward cleansing of the hands. It reference the ritualistic washing dedicated, in their eyes, to God. In other words, their external washing was a common cleansing for normal hands which were not good enough for God. Their accusations were spurious!
Notice their Conspiracy in verse 1.
They came from Jerusalem anticipating and expecting a moral failure in Jesus. If He didn’t fail, then they could discredit His disciples. The Pharisee’s and scribes, “men of the Law”, were conspiring together with the Sadducee’s and Herodians to get rid of Jesus.
In verses 2-4, listen to their Hostility.
They found fault with a perceived issue. Although this washing was prescribed only for the priests in the Temple, their religious zeal and traditionalism now expected it from everyone. Mark explains their arrogance by the specific way they wash both their hands and other vessels.
But take note of their Dishonesty in verse 5.
They didn’t accost the disciples. They went to Jesus to accuse Him of their shortcomings! By finding fault with them, He would be guilty for poor teaching of His disciples. He then would be dishonored in His follower’s eyes.
Illustration - Little girl’s playing church
Several years ago when my wife and were newly married, we had some neighborhood girls playing on our front porch. One girl said to the other, “Let’s play church! You are the music man and I will be the preacher!” The other girl stood up and waved her arms as if she were swatting flies. Then the first girl stood and in her best preaching form said, “Blah de blah de blah. And amen. Praise the Lord and pass the offering plate!”
Isn’t that how some churches and Christians appear to the world? We act like we are going through the motions and say irrational words which make no sense to the world. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were going through the motions of worship and missed the One they thought they knew!
In verses 6-13, we find that Jesus had a Stern Confrontation with the religious elite.
Witness their Deceitfulness in verses 6-8.
Jesus words were radical and extremely powerful. He quoted Isaiah and applied to these charlatan’s! He spoke of their hypocrisy in telling others how they should behave and yet found ways to circumvent their own man-made regulations. They put their decrees above God’s written Word. Their duplicity knew no limits.
Then He revealed their Callousness in 9-12.
Again, they placed their own agenda above God’s agenda. By stating “Corban” of their material wealth, they were effectively disassociating themselves from helping a parent in need. After all, the Temple promise was more important than the needs of their parents which they were disobeying the Fifth Commandment.
A view of their Snootiness is found in verse 13.
They proudly eviscerated God’s Word and thought nothing of it! Jesus’ own condemnation is shown when He added, “And many such things you do,” implying that there was even more deserving denunciations.
I have heard people state though the years that their parents “made” them go to church! They promised themselves when they became adults they would allow their children the opportunity to decide for themselves when they were old enough to go to church! What garbage that is! Let ‘em wait until they are grown to decide to brush their teeth!
Illustration – Ten Reasons I Never Wash
1. I was forced to wash as a child.
2. People who wash are hypocrites--they think they’re cleaner than others.
3. There are so many kinds of soap, I could never decide which was right.
4. I used to wash, but it got boring.
5. I wash only on Christmas or Easter.
6. None of my friends wash.
7. I’ll start washing when I’m older.
8. I really don’t have time to wash.
9. The bathroom isn’t warm enough to wash.
10. People who make soap are only after your money.
Everyone has excuses why they don’t attend church or why they won’t commit their lives to Christ. I’ve found that excuses are explanations stuffed with a lie!
Jesus issued a Sound Explanation to them in verses 14-16.
He drew the people close to Himself to expound on where sin originates. It’s not from food or demons on ones hands; it’s the source within the heart!
Notice the Call to discern in verse 14.
The one who has spiritual ears should discern and understand the truth of God’s Word and Son. Jesus calls for “whosoever” to come. Hear and respond spiritually and live!
It is a Truth to grasp in verse 15.
It is not what on the outside which defiles but rather the stuff on the inside of us which contaminates us. The religious leaders believed that “demons” or unclean things would invade you inwardly from your hands making you unclean. Jesus emphasized that it was not the external but rather the internal which defiles us.
In verse 16, there is a Word to consider.
Again, Jesus called for spiritual understanding for the people to hear. It’s not about doing but rather “becoming” a person of faith through Him.
Even as Jesus made an appeal to those there, many could not understand and would not respond. But there will be a day when they do comprehend His Words…but it will be too little, too late!
Illustration – Facing the Music
In Max Lucado’s, Just Like Jesus, he tells the story: Many years ago a man conned his way into the orchestra of the emperor of China although he could not play a note. Whenever the group practiced or performed, he would hold his flute against his lips, pretending to play but not making a sound. He received a modest salary an enjoyed a comfortable living. Then one day the emperor requested a solo from each musician. The flutist got nervous. There wasn’t enough time to learn the instrument. He pretended to be sick, but the royal physician wasn’t fooled. On the day of his solo performance, the impostor took poison and killed himself. The explanation of his suicide led to a phrase that found its way into the English language: “He refused to face the music.”
Today you can pretend to be a part of God’s orchestra by just blending in with the crowd and going through the motions. No one notices here, because you say the right things, go to the right places, and hang out with the right people. And you can enjoy the comfort of being accepted by the crowd of your choice. But there will come a day when you must face the music, one day you will be separated from everything. On that day you will stand alone before God and give an account for your life, your decisions, and whether or not you were taped into the living water.
And finally, Jesus showed Simple Frustration with His disciples for their lack of understanding. 17-23
I wonder why Jesus put up with His disciples? Maybe it’s because of His great love and patience He has for us. There are several places in the New Testament where Jesus sighed or groaned within Himself. I am sure He grew frustrated with His creation as I have grown in frustration with the sheep of my flock!
Perceive the Futility of man in verses 17-18a.
Jesus questioned their perception. Man cannot understand His purpose and direction without a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We simply cannot understand spiritual things without the Holy Spirit and a born-again nature. The world just doesn’t get it!
Examine the Reality of man in 18b-19.
Sin comes from within…not from the outside! Now we know that filth, trash, and garbage pollute the mind and defile the heart. But man is born with a sinful and sin-filled nature. As much as I love my sweet and adorable grandchildren, they have a sinful nature. They are selfish and narcistic in nature. But they are my selfish and narcistic grandchildren!
Explore the Depravity of man in 20-23.
Jesus spared no expense and wasted few words in revealing the depravity and sinfulness of man. In verses 20-23, He recalls the very nature of man.
The words Jesus uses are direct and to the point. He said it is out of the heart of men that these thoughts and actions come from.
The first thing He addresses is our English word evil thoughts. It is the Greek word “dialogismos” which denotes thoughts and considerations. It means to think through in detail. We have a propensity to dwell and think upon the sin we like the most. We will play around with the “what if’s” and be led by our thoughts into sin.
(You may notice that I listed several of the sins as a plurality of sins. The Greek lists it as such. I believe it is an emphasis on the overflow of their actions and attitudes much like the Old Testament "3 things I have against you, and for 4...".)
Jesus lists adulteries (plural) as an act of unfaithfulness in marriage. It might not involve physical unfaithfulness but rather an emotional unfaithfulness. Again, there are too many ministers and professed Christians who break a marriage covenant before god because “they believe they deserve some happiness!” Listen, what we really deserve is Gehenna with some hell added on top! But we receive grace in spite of our failures but He does not want us to continue to wallow in our sin!
He also tackles the issue of sexual immorality. It is the Greek word “porneia” which underscores the immoral and unacceptable sexual activities of people. To some it applies to physical attraction sexually. To others this word may apply to physical addiction through pornography. There are too many believers or professed Christians who are failing to maintain the standards God has placed before us. We live in an age where every man does what is right in his own eyes. I don’t know how many people I have counseled lately who are cohabiting with each other. And yet, we still call it anything but sin!
He then deals with murders (plural). We murder with our attitudes and actions. Maybe it’s not a literal killing (although it can and does happen) but it can be a hatred for some one not like us. The ultimate hate crime is not one motivated by one’s race or so-called sexual gender but rather a hatred for any man who was created in the image of God. And to hate man is to hate God.
Jesus lists thefts (plural) as wickedness in the heart. Ah, but don’t we live in an enlightened era? Thefts may include more than stealing merchandise from a store. Perhaps it’s cheating on your tax return. Maybe it’s stealing time at work on your breaks or lunch hour. Maybe it’s taking the paperclip or pencil from work…O.K. maybe I’ve gone too far, but you get the idea.
Then He addresses covetings (plural). It is the mindset of greed and a craze for more, more and even more. It is never having enough. It’s not being content with what God has provided. America seems to have exhibited more greed and materialism than almost any other country. We are absorbed in having more!
From there he lists wickedness’s (plural). It is a basketful of malice, meanness and cruelty. It’s like the bully who can take the little boy’s lunch…simply because he can. It’s a meanness that is unreasonable and doesn’t make sense!
Then He lists deceit. This is a fishing term which is meant to ensnare or trick for gain. Bernie Madoff used deceit to scam millions from people for his own selfish gain. He used their greed to finance his greed. There are spiritual leaders who use deceit to scam people out of their money and spiritual lives. It seems to never end.
He records sensuality as a sin of the heart. This means there is a lack of self-control in someone’s life.
Then He registers envy as a sinful attitude. This means being jealous of someone else’s blessing’s in life. We have a difficulty at times in a rejoicing when someone receives a blessing we wanted and feel we deserved. Honestly, we should always rejoice when our brothers and sisters rejoice! Hard though isn’t it?
Jesus listed blasphemy as a sin of the heart. This refers to the insults, slander or the belittling of a person. It is to speak ill of someone. Men will often blaspheme their wives when they use put-down jokes at their wife’s expense. Guys, it should not be that way. Women have a low self-esteem and need building up and edifying. Peter says to treat them as a weaker vessel; not inferior but as fine porcelain or delicate china! Don’t speak harshly about or to your wife!
Almost last, but certainly not least Jesus regards pride as a sin of the heart. This is a boastful self-exaltation over others. It is a feeling of superiority and arrogance. It is the chief sin in Satan’s life and seems to be a leading candidate in people’s lives.
Finally, he describes foolishness as a sin. This is the moral and spiritual insensitivity one has to God’s Word and heavenly attributes. It is callousness toward holy things. It is a thoughtlessness concerning the things of God.
Jesus listed these to describe what is in every person’s spiritual heart before salvation and a new birth. It’s still there but now we have the ability to speak honestly to God about it. Only God can radically change a heart and life.
Illustration – Houdini Didn’t
In his book 40 Days, Alton Gansky relates this story: "Harry Houdini made a name for himself by escaping from every imaginable confinement - from straight-jackets to multiple pairs of handcuffs clamped to his arms. He boasted that no jail cell could hold him. Time and again, he would be locked in a cell only to reappear minutes later. It worked every time — but one. He accepted another invitation to demonstrate his skill. He entered the cell, wearing his street clothes, and the jail cell door shut. Once alone, he pulled a thin but strong piece of metal from his belt and began working the lock. But something was wrong. No matter how hard Houdini worked, he couldn’t unlock the lock. For two hours he applied skill and experience to the lock but failed time and time again. Two hours later he gave up in frustration. The problem? The cell had never been locked. Houdini worked himself to near exhaustion trying to achieve what could be accomplished by simply pushing the door open. The only place the door was locked was in his mind.
We have a problem very similar to Houdini’s. We are locked in our sin. Jesus has unlocked our cage of imprisonment through His death, burial and resurrection. Our problem is that we want to do it our way. Most refuse to trust Him for their salvation.
People are often “locked” out of heaven because it appears unattainable. It is unless you come on God’s terms. We often violate the ‘love one another’ clause when we dislike Christian music not like our own! We may like hymns, country, Southern gospel or praise songs but despise what our neighbor likes! Or we hate the sins of homosexuality, shame-sex marriages, abortion or shacking up while we gossip, slander, lust, covet and reject God’s Truth because we know more than anyone else! As believers, we need to be careful that we don’t act like the Pharisee’s and only see the sins of other people.
