Mark 7

Posted on Feb 17, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Friday

Jesus is again confronted by the Pharisees and teachers of the Law.

They seem to like to find fault with all that Jesus and his disciple are doing. Today it is about not ritually washing their hands. The Pharisees are more concerned about following tradition then they are about following the scriptures. We can find that we get caught up ourselves in tradition or legalism and forget that some of those “sacred” rules were never included in the bible. 

Jesus tells us what is truly important is what is in our hearts. What are our intentions? I may perform good deeds, but I might also be doing them just to get recognition for what I’ve done.  My intentions are all wrong. My heart is full of pride and selfishness.

You may also note that Mark is specifically talking about dietary restrictions. The early Christians, who Mark is writing to, were dealing with the issue of what was allowed to be eaten and what was not allowed. (Acts 10 & 11) So he is making it clear in his Gospel that food was not the problem, but rather a righteous heart and attitude.

Jesus also speaks with a gentile woman who is seeking His healing power for her daughter. Once again Jesus puts aside the differences between the Gentiles and the Jews, between Jewish laws and traditions and what is the intentions of the law to look at the heart of the issue. Here is a woman, desperate to find healing for her child and full of faith that He can heal her, that is what Jesus saw. Not a Gentile, not a “dog” outside the Law, but a woman who believed.

I pray for all those who feel as if they are “outsiders” to understand that in Christ, they are not excluded or left out. Help all of us to know that we are included and we are loved.

Feeling blessed to be a Christ-follower

Pastor Kathy