Mark 7
BSB1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. 3 Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. 4 And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands." 6 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ 8 You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. “ 9 He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters." 14 Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: 15 Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him." 17 After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable. 18 “Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) 20 He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. 21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. 23 All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." 24 Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. 25 Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. 26 Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children have their fill,” He said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs." 28 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs." 29 Then Jesus told her, “Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter." 30 And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone. 31 Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. 33 So Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35 Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37 The people were utterly astonished and said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!"
Study Notes — Mark 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 7
- Themes from Mark 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Mark 7 begins with the Pharisees and scribes questioning Jesus about His disciples' failure to follow traditional customs, specifically their not washing their hands before eating. Jesus responds by accusing them of hypocrisy, citing their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments. He then teaches the crowd that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within, specifically evil thoughts and actions. Jesus also heals a Syrophoenician woman's daughter, demonstrating His power and mercy. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a deaf and mute man, further showcasing His divine authority.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 7 occurs during Jesus' ministry in the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He encounters people from various backgrounds, including Gentiles. This chapter is part of a larger narrative in Mark's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus' authority, teachings, and miracles, while also highlighting the growing opposition from the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. The events in Mark 7 take place after Jesus' feeding of the 4,000 and before His journey to the region of Decapolis.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Mark 7, we are reminded of the importance of examining our own hearts and motivations, recognizing that true defilement comes from within. We should strive to cultivate inner purity and sincerity, rather than relying on external rituals or appearances. By trusting in Jesus and following His teachings, we can experience transformation and live a life that honors God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 7 teaches that what makes us unclean is not what we eat or drink, but what comes from our hearts. Jesus shows us that true purity comes from within, and that we need to trust in Him to be cleansed from our sins. As seen in Mark 7:15 and Mark 7:24, Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of faith and inner transformation.
Voices from the Church
“The Pharisees, by their external righteousness, thought they could appease God, but our Lord shows that true righteousness consists in the purity of the heart.”
— John Calvin
“The greatest miracle that Jesus performs is not the healing of the body, but the cleansing of the soul, which is only possible through faith in Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Confronting the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-13) — Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples, accusing them of hypocrisy and emphasizing the importance of inner purity.
- Teaching on Defilement (Mark 7:14-23) — Jesus teaches the crowd that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within.
- Healing the Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter (Mark 7:24-30) — Jesus heals the daughter of a Gentile woman, demonstrating His power and mercy towards all people.
- Healing the Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37) — Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, further showcasing His divine authority and compassion.
- Conclusion (Mark 7:38) — The crowd is amazed by Jesus' miracles, and His fame spreads throughout the region.
Core Doctrines
- Total Depravity
- Mark 7:21-22 teaches that the human heart is the source of evil thoughts and actions, highlighting the doctrine of total depravity, which states that humanity is completely corrupted by sin and unable to please God on its own.
- Justification by Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus, as seen in the healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter, illustrating the doctrine of justification by faith, which holds that salvation comes through trusting in Jesus Christ alone.
- The Authority of Christ
- Jesus' teachings and miracles in Mark 7 demonstrate His divine authority, which is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, emphasizing Jesus' role as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.
- The Importance of Inner Purity
- Mark 7:15 teaches that true defilement comes from within, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity, which is a key doctrine in Christian ethics and spirituality.
Lessons from Mark 7
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy — Mark 7 warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and inner purity. As Christians, we should strive to cultivate a genuine faith that is reflected in our actions and decisions.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter highlights the power of faith in Jesus, as seen in the healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter. This teaches us that faith is not limited to a specific group or background, but is available to all who trust in Jesus.
- The Importance of Compassion — Jesus' interactions with the Syrophoenician woman and the deaf and mute man demonstrate His compassion and willingness to help those in need. As Christians, we should strive to reflect Jesus' compassion and love in our relationships and interactions with others.
- The Authority of Jesus — Mark 7 emphasizes Jesus' divine authority, which is demonstrated through His teachings and miracles. This teaches us that Jesus is the ultimate authority in our lives, and that we should trust in Him and follow His teachings.
- The Need for Inner Transformation — The chapter emphasizes the need for inner transformation, which is only possible through faith in Jesus. As Christians, we should strive to cultivate a deep and abiding faith that leads to inner transformation and a life that honors God.
Themes from Mark 7
- True Defilement — Mark 7 teaches that true defilement comes from within, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. This theme is central to the chapter and is emphasized through Jesus' teachings and interactions with others.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter highlights the power of faith in Jesus, as seen in the healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter. This theme emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus and following His teachings.
- The Importance of Compassion — Jesus' interactions with the Syrophoenician woman and the deaf and mute man demonstrate His compassion and willingness to help those in need. This theme teaches us that we should strive to reflect Jesus' compassion and love in our relationships and interactions with others.
- The Authority of Jesus — Mark 7 emphasizes Jesus' divine authority, which is demonstrated through His teachings and miracles. This theme teaches us that Jesus is the ultimate authority in our lives, and that we should trust in Him and follow His teachings.
- The Need for Inner Transformation — The chapter emphasizes the need for inner transformation, which is only possible through faith in Jesus. This theme teaches us that we should strive to cultivate a deep and abiding faith that leads to inner transformation and a life that honors God.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you prioritize external appearances or rituals over inner purity and sincerity?
- How does Jesus' teaching on defilement challenge your understanding of what makes a person unclean or impure?
- What role does faith play in your life, and how can you trust in Jesus more fully?
- In what ways can you apply Jesus' teachings on inner purity and compassion to your relationships and interactions with others?
- How does Mark 7 encourage you to examine your own heart and motivations, and to seek transformation through Jesus Christ?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Confronting the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-13)
| Mark 7:1 | The Pharisees and scribes question Jesus about His disciples' failure to follow traditional customs, specifically their not washing their hands before eating. |
| Mark 7:2 | The Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of not following the tradition of the elders, highlighting their emphasis on external rituals and appearances. |
| Mark 7:3 | The Pharisees explain their tradition of washing hands before eating, emphasizing the importance of external purity. |
| Mark 7:4 | The Pharisees also emphasize the importance of washing cups, pitchers, and utensils, highlighting their focus on external rituals. |
| Mark 7:5 | The Pharisees ask Jesus why His disciples do not follow their traditions, challenging Jesus' authority and teachings. |
| Mark 7:6 | Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, emphasizing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and their focus on external appearances rather than inner purity. |
| Mark 7:7 | Jesus teaches that the Pharisees' traditions are merely human commands, and that they prioritize these over God's commands. |
| Mark 7:8 | Jesus accuses the Pharisees of abandoning God's commands and holding to human traditions, highlighting their hypocrisy and lack of inner purity. |
| Mark 7:9 | Jesus teaches that the Pharisees have a flawed understanding of God's commands, prioritizing external rituals over inner sincerity. |
| Mark 7:10 | Jesus cites the example of Corban, where the Pharisees use a tradition to avoid caring for their parents, highlighting their hypocrisy and lack of compassion. |
| Mark 7:11 | Jesus teaches that the Pharisees' traditions lead to a flawed understanding of God's commands, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:12 | Jesus accuses the Pharisees of nullifying God's word through their traditions, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing human customs over God's commands. |
| Mark 7:13 | Jesus teaches that the Pharisees' traditions lead to a flawed understanding of God's commands, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
2. Teaching on Defilement (Mark 7:14-23)
| Mark 7:14 | Jesus calls the crowd to Him and teaches them about true defilement, emphasizing the importance of inner purity. |
| Mark 7:15 | Jesus teaches that nothing outside a person can defile them, but rather it is what comes out of a person that defiles them, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:16 | Some manuscripts include the phrase 'If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear,' emphasizing the importance of listening to Jesus' teachings. |
| Mark 7:17 | The disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable, seeking to understand the teachings on defilement. |
| Mark 7:18 | Jesus teaches that the things that come out of a person, such as evil thoughts and actions, are what defile them, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:19 | Jesus emphasizes that all foods are clean, and that it is what comes from within that defiles a person, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:20 | Jesus teaches that the heart is the source of evil thoughts and actions, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:21 | Jesus lists the evil things that come from within, including fornication, theft, and pride, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:22 | Jesus teaches that these evil things defile a person, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| Mark 7:23 | Jesus concludes that all these evil things come from within and defile a person, highlighting the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
3. Healing the Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter (Mark 7:24-30)
| Mark 7:24 | Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He encounters a Syrophoenician woman who asks for His help. |
| Mark 7:25 | The woman asks Jesus to cast out the demon from her daughter, demonstrating her faith and trust in Jesus. |
| Mark 7:26 | Jesus initially seems to refuse the woman's request, but she persists in her faith and trust in Him. |
| Mark 7:27 | Jesus teaches the woman that He was sent to the lost sheep of Israel, but she responds with faith and humility, asking for His mercy. |
| Mark 7:28 | The woman acknowledges Jesus as Lord and asks for His help, demonstrating her faith and trust in Him. |
| Mark 7:29 | Jesus commends the woman's faith and tells her that the demon has been cast out of her daughter, demonstrating His power and mercy. |
| Mark 7:30 | The woman returns home and finds her daughter lying on the bed, with the demon gone, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority. |
4. Healing the Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37)
| Mark 7:31 | Jesus travels to the region of Decapolis, where He encounters a deaf and mute man who is brought to Him for healing. |
| Mark 7:32 | The people ask Jesus to lay His hand on the man and heal him, demonstrating their faith and trust in Jesus. |
| Mark 7:33 | Jesus takes the man aside and puts His fingers in the man's ears, then spits and touches the man's tongue, demonstrating His power and authority. |
| Mark 7:34 | Jesus looks up to heaven and sighs, then says 'Ephphatha,' which means 'Be opened,' demonstrating His power and authority. |
| Mark 7:35 | The man's ears are opened, and he is able to speak, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority. |
| Mark 7:36 | Jesus orders the people not to tell anyone about the healing, but they spread the news anyway, demonstrating their amazement and faith in Jesus. |
| Mark 7:37 | The people are amazed by Jesus' power and authority, and they praise Him for His teachings and miracles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Mark 7?
The main theme of Mark 7 is the teaching on true defilement, which comes from within, and the importance of inner purity and sincerity. This is seen in Mark 7:15, where Jesus teaches that nothing outside a person can defile them, but rather it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.
Why do the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples?
The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not following their traditions, specifically not washing their hands before eating. This is seen in Mark 7:2-5, where the Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of not following the tradition of the elders.
What is the significance of the Syrophoenician woman's faith?
The Syrophoenician woman's faith is significant because it demonstrates that faith in Jesus is not limited to the Israelites, but is available to all people. This is seen in Mark 7:24-30, where the woman asks Jesus to cast out the demon from her daughter and demonstrates her faith and trust in Him.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 7:6 → Isaiah 29:13 | Jesus quotes Isaiah to emphasize the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who prioritize human traditions over God's commands. |
| 2 | Mark 7:10 → Exodus 20:12 | Jesus cites the commandment to honor one's parents, which the Pharisees' tradition of Corban contradicts. |
| 3 | Mark 7:15 → Matthew 15:18-19 | Jesus' teaching on true defilement is also recorded in Matthew's Gospel, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity. |
| 4 | Mark 7:24 → Matthew 15:21-28 | The story of the Syrophoenician woman is also recorded in Matthew's Gospel, highlighting the significance of her faith and Jesus' response. |
| 5 | Mark 7:31 → Isaiah 35:5-6 | The healing of the deaf and mute man is a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, which speaks of the coming Messiah's power to heal and restore. |
| 6 | Mark 7:34 → Psalm 51:15 | The word 'Ephphatha' is an Aramaic word that means 'Be opened,' which Jesus uses to heal the deaf and mute man. |
| 7 | Mark 7:37 → Isaiah 35:4-6 | The crowd's amazement at Jesus' miracles is a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, which speaks of the coming Messiah's power to heal and restore. |
| 8 | Mark 7:1-23 → Colossians 2:20-23 | The teachings of Mark 7 are relevant to the Colossian church, which was struggling with similar issues of legalism and external righteousness. |
Sermons on Mark 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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A Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his grandchildren and the importance of intercessory prayer in bringing our loved ones to Jesus. He emphasizes that there |
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Eyes to See (1 of 2) by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing and having a clear vision from the beginning. They share personal experiences of witnessing the plight of the unborn |
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The True Vine by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man whose parents wanted him to become a doctor. However, after his father's death, the mother was left with the responsibi |
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Dvd 07 - Growing Unto Sonship by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and growth in grace through moral choices and obedience to God. It highlights the pattern of Jesus as a son who laid aside his de |
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A Big Neighbourhood by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor and following the example of Jesus. He shares a personal story about encountering someone in need an |
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The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage |
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(Excerpt) the Great Falling Away by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of the falling away from the faith in the last days. He criticizes the church for prioritizing their traditions over the commandmen |
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Religiosity or Spirituality - Life and Laws by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between religious and spiritual people. He uses the analogy of a pig on a leash to illustrate how religious people rely on rule |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 7
In Mark 7, Jesus teaches us that true defilement comes from within, and that we must examine our own hearts and motivations to ensure that we are not hypocrites like the Pharisees. The story of the Syrophoenician woman shows us that faith in Jesus is available to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. The healing of the deaf and mute man demonstrates Jesus' power and authority, and reminds us that He is the one who can open our ears and mouths to hear and speak the truth. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of inner purity and sincerity, and the need to trust in Jesus for salvation and transformation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
The Pharisees are concerned with outward appearances and traditions, but neglect the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus condemns their hypocrisy, pointing out that they prioritize human customs over God's commands.
Jesus' Teaching Style
Jesus teaches the crowd using simple, yet profound, principles, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and the dangers of hypocrisy. He uses everyday examples, like food and drink, to illustrate spiritual truths.
The Role of Faith
Faith plays a significant role in this chapter, as Jesus commends the faith of the Syrophoenician woman and heals her daughter. This demonstrates that faith is not limited to the Israelites, but is available to all who trust in Jesus.