Matthew 15

Matthew 15:1

A delegation of scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem to ask Jesus why His disciples did not follow the hand-washing tradition of the elders. You see, although the Jews rightly taught that the law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, they also said that later on, the Lord gave further revelation to Moses that was not written in the Scriptures. This further revelation was passed down orally from generation to generation, and the Jews became so caught up in it, they actually went so far as to say that the word of the elders was weightier than the Word of God. One such oral tradition dealt with the ceremonial washing of hands. The Rabbis taught that at night, the demon Shibna would often come and sit upon a man’s hands as he slept. They went on to say that if anyone ate with hands that had been sat upon by a demon, the demon could enter into him through the food and take control of him. Therefore, the Rabbis concluded, before eating one needed to wash his hands in the following manner: One was to take one and a half eggshells of water and pour it over his hands as they were pressed together uprightly, letting the water drip only to his wrists and no further. Then, he would flip his hands over, pointing them downward while yet another one-and-a-half eggshells of water was poured over them. Finally, he was to rub his right fist with his left palm, then his left fist with his right palm. This procedure was followed not only before every meal, but between each course of every meal. Jesus’ complete disregard of this tradition infuriated the scribes and Pharisees.

Matthew 15:4

The tradition of the elders stated specifically that if you had something in your house which was of great value, you could say it was “corban,” or “dedicated,” which then made that object a gift to God. You could still keep it in your house and use it for your purposes, but it was technically dedicated to God. It was a convenient way to refuse help to people in needeven to those in your own family. Jesus indicts the people for this practice, saying, “The Scriptures declare, honor your father and your mother. But you have made the commandment of God of none effect by your vain traditions.”

Matthew 15:7

“Here’s the problem,” says Jesus"People think they draw near to Me with their traditions and their songs, with their lips and with their wordsbut their hearts are far from Me. The issue is the heart." For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Rom_10:10 [emphasis mine] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Col_3:16 [emphasis mine] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.Mat_22:37-38 [emphasis mine] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.2Co_9:7 [emphasis mine] The issue is the heart. But there’s a problem, for as Jeremiah declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer_17:9). What then is the solution? David gave the answer when he said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa_119:11). How is the heart cleansed? By the Word. If people criticize you for something you are doing or not doing in the area of religion, say to them, “Show me in the Word where it says I should or should not do that, for unless you can show me in the Word, I don’t care what the traditions might have been previously, or what our culture dictates presently. I am free in Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 15:10

“It’s not what goes into your mouth; it’s what comes out of your heart. That’s the key.” In so saying, Jesus offended the pious, religious leaders.

Matthew 15:13

The issue is not washing of hands by the eggshell, but washing of hearts by the Word. Be free in Jesus. Enjoy your liberty and extend it to others graciously.

Matthew 15:21

The phraseology this Canaanite woman uses is most enlightening. She approaches Jesus using a phrase made popular by Jews who were in need of healing. “Have mercy on me, Son of David,” they would cry whenever Jesus approached. Why did they refer to Jesus as “Son of David”? A thousand years earlier, a prophecy was given to David that he would have a Son, a descendant who would reign foreverMessiah. And when Messiah came, the lame would walk and blind eyes would be opened. Consequently, the Jews who recognized Jesus as their Messiah called Him “Son of David.” Now suddenly, this Canaanite lady, upon hearing of Jesus’ coming, searched for the most appropriate way to address Him. Having heard Him referred to as “Son of David” by Jews lining His path, she borrowed the phrase from them.

Matthew 15:23

If ever there were a situation to which I would think Jesus would respond quickly, it would be to a mother crying helplessly over her child. Yet, here this crying woman came to Jesus, and He answered her not a word. Her tears, no doubt, were having an effect on the disciples, and they came to Jesus, saying, “Lord, send her away. She’s bothering us.”

Matthew 15:24

If I were this woman, I think at this point I would have slunk away in despair. After all, she had nothing going for her. Her race was against her. She was a Canaanitean enemy of the Israelites. Her sex was against her. She was a womanin a time where women were held in low esteem. Even the disciples were against her, as they begged Jesus to send her away. But you’ve got to admire this lady because she didn’t give up. And Jesus knew she wouldn’t. You see, Jesus was not trying to be difficult with her. Rather, He was drawing out an understanding from her that would be helpful not only in her situation specifically, but to us and to all generations historically. Watch what happens.

Matthew 15:25

No longer concerned about the right phraseology and the proper presentation, in desperation and openness, she worships Jesus. In simplicity, she says, “Lord, save me,” and a miracle was underway. Sometimes when we’re going through tough times, we hear how someone else prays, and we think, That must be the key. King James English is what moves the hand of God. So we pray, “Father, I thankest Thee that Thou beholdest the cries of all of Thy creation. Now, Father, in Thy magnificence and benevolence, have mercy upon me in my situation.” And nothing happens. Or we hear someone share how they lifted their hand to the Lord, and He reached down and pulled them out of their depression. And we say, “Now how high did you hold your hand? Was it your right hand or your left hand?” This Canaanite woman was in that same situation. She had the formula, but she failed miserably until she threw her formula aside and came in brokenness and openness to worship Jesus. Worship works where formulas fail. The word “worship,” or proskuneo in Greek means, “to turn and kiss.” Guys, when you kiss your wives, hopefully you don’t follow a ten-step program to better kissing. I mean, it needs to be spontaneous and expressive, simple and sincere. The same is true of worship. Worship is not a procedure we follow. It’s creative and spontaneous, simple and sincere. In 2Sa_6:12, we see an account of one who understood this principle. The ark of the covenant had been in the house of Obed-Edom for some time. David was bringing it back to Jerusalem. And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.2Sa_6:12-14 There was a time when all the rage was dressing for success. Many years ago, I saw a picture of fifteen men standing with the then current President of the United States. Every single one had on a dark suit and a red tie. Evidently, they had all read the same book! In the things of God, however, it’s not so much dressing for success, but undressing; not so much robing yourself in royalty and regality, but disrobing in humility and spontaneity. David laid aside his “Dress For Success” manual and danced in his underwear before the Lord with gladness and spontaneity, expressing his heart creatively, energetically, and sincerely. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.2Sa_6:15-16 Observing her husband dancing in his boxers, Michal said, “This is terrible. He’s the king of Israel. Where’s his dignity?” Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!2Sa_6:20 “That was great, Dave,” laughed Michal. “You made a big impression out there. You looked like a fool.” And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father…2Sa_6:21 (a) “Remember your father, Michal? God was against him because although Saul was royal and regal, he was not humble and open. He was a worker, not a worshipper. He didn’t have a heart after God.” In other words, David is saying, “Michal, you’re acting just like your dad.” …and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.2Sa_6:21 (b),2Sa_6:22 “If you think I acted foolishly today, stick around,” David declares. “What I have done, I have done unto the Lord as an act of worship. And those maidens you are worried about? They will see the honor of the Lord working in me.” Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.2Sa_6:23 The same is true today. People or churches who feel worship is not important, or that it’s foolish to express one’s heart to the Lord publicly and privately will, like Michal, experience a barrenness, a dryness, and a lack of fruitfulness in their lives. Those of you who feel like the Lord is “answering you not a word,” try worshiping Jesus. Put away your royal robes and futile formulas and say, “Lord, help me express my heart to You today.”

Matthew 15:26

Jesus responds to the woman allegorically. In speaking of children, He is referring to the children of Israel, the Jews. In speaking of bread, He is referring to Himself, the Bread of Life. In speaking of dogs, using the Greek word for a pet dog, He is referring to the Gentiles. In other words, Jesus is saying, “Since I have come first and foremost to the house of Israel, my primary focus must be upon the Jews.”

Matthew 15:27

“I hear You,” she says. “I understand You’re working according to certain priorities. Yet even though the puppy dogs don’t get the best bread, they still get the leftover crumbs that fall from the table.” Can’t you see in your mind’s eye a smile break out on the face of Jesus? This is what He was after all alongnot to destroy her, but to develop her.

Matthew 15:28

The word translated “woman” is gune, a term of respect. Jesus used the same word when He spoke of His mother. Jesus knew all along what He would be doing. He knew He would indeed heal and bless. But in the process, He taught this Canaanite woman, and all who have studied her story, the power and reality of true worship. I encourage you this day, precious people, to put away phrases and forms and instead follow the example of the Canaanite woman. Worship Jesus in simplicity and sincerity and watch Him work powerfully and radically.

Matthew 15:29

In this passage, we see Jesus feeding over four thousand people. Were these people praying? Were they asking to be fed? Did the disciples believe Jesus would feed the multitude miraculously? No. The people didn’t pray. And even the disciples didn’t have faith. Yet Jesus provided abundantly, graciously, and compassionately. The Key: His Compassion A Topical Study of Mat_15:32-39 The passage before us is controversial. Many scholars suggest it is nothing more than a retelling of the “feeding of the five thousand” story in Matthew 14. Why? It’s the only explanation they can offer for the seeming stupidity of the disciples. You see, here in chapter 15, the disciples ask Jesus how they are to feed such a large crowd. Why would the disciples wonder how to feed four thousand if only a mere chapter earlier, they had seen Jesus feed over five thousand? “The only logical answer,” conclude the scholars, “is that Mat_14:14-21 and Mat_15:32-39 are two different accounts of the same event.” I, however, reject their premise for the following reasons: There were five thousand men in chapter 14. There were four thousand men in chapter 15. There were five loaves and two fish in chapter 14. There were seven loaves and a few fish in chapter 15. The multitude sat on the grass in chapter 14the implication being it was springtime. The multitude sat on the bare ground in chapter 15the implication being it was summertime. Jesus was in Bethsaida, the northern side of the Sea of Galilee, in chapter 14. Jesus was in Decapolis (Mark 8), on the eastern side of Galilee in chapter 15. After He fed the multitude in chapter 14, they wanted to make Him King. After He fed the multitude in chapter 15, they made no such request. Above all, however, the reason I know these two events are separate is because Jesus Himself referred to them as such in Mat_16:9-10. If the “scholars” are right in suggesting there was only one feeding with two accounts, then Matthew wasn’t listening to the Spirit as he wrote his Gospel, and Jesus was mistaken and confused about His own miracles. I find this hard to believe. Many read this story and struggle with it. “How can this be? How could the disciples forget about the miracle that happened only one chapter previously? Nobody’s that dumb.” I suggest to you that the answer to that very question is very applicable and helpful for me and for you. First, you must understand that Galilee and Decapolis were very different regions. Galilee was the “headquarters” of Jesus’ ministry.

Galilee was where He hung out, delivered significant teachings, and developed His disciples. Decapolis, on the other hand, was a confederation of ten Gentile cities with its own monetary system, judicial system, king, and army. Decapolis was financially prosperous and very worldly. Huge monuments to Zeus and Aphrodite dotted the landscape, and coliseums provided Roman-style entertainment. I believe that’s where the problem was. Here, the disciples were with Jesus in Decapolis. “Certainly Jesus won’t do a miracle here,” the disciples must have thought. “This is heathen territory. Most of this crowd is Gentile. The Lord isn’t going to feed these people. Besides that, they’ve been with Him three days now. In Galilee, He fed the crowd after only one day. This is the wrong place. These are the wrong people. This is the wrong time.” The same thing happens to me and to you. The Lord blesses us. A miracle happens. Provision is made. Grace is shown. Then we get into a similar situation a month, a year, or a decade later. And we say, “Oh yeah, I know the Lord saw me through that previous difficulty. I know He provided for me graciously. But that was a different time. I was in Galilee then. I was having morning devotions. I was really close to Him. Now? I’m in the wrong place with the wrong people. This is the wrong time. Nothing is going to happen. The Lord isn’t going to see me through this trouble. Not now. I’m out to lunch. I’m in Decapolis.” How easy it is to fall into the subtle trap of expecting the Lord to bless us because of our own worthiness or because we’re in Galilee. “I’m praying. I’m studying. I’m close to the Lord. Of course He’ll bless me!” But what we fail to factor into the equation is this very simple understanding. Jesus, we are told in verse Mat_15:32, called His disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude.” The word translated “compassion” is actually a Greek word that describes the retching of the intestinessomething which one feels very deeply. Looking out upon the hungry people of Decapolis, Jesus said, “I hurt for them. Even though no one is asking Me to provide, even though no one is believing I can provide, I want to do something for these people because I have compassion upon them.” What a glorious day it is when you understand that Jesus, your Redeemer and your Friend, looks at you in your need and has compassion upon youeven when you’re in Decapolis. What a freeing day it is when we finally learn that the blessings the Lord gives us are not based on anything we do, but just because He sees our hunger and has compassion upon us. There’s only one prerequisitejust as there was only one prerequisite for the multitude to be fed with so much food that the Greek text says they were “glutted.” They needed to be where Jesus was. You see, the four thousand weren’t making requests of Jesus. They weren’t exercising faith in Him. They were merely where He was. They were “under the spout where the blessings come out.” And that’s the same place we need to be. I have found this to be so true in my own life. The Lord has blessed me above all I could ask or think. I wish I could say to you it was because of my powerful prayer life, my disciplined fasting, my great faith. But that’s not true. The Lord has blessed me because He looked on me and said, “Wow. You’re hurting. And I hurt for you.” That’s the way Jesus isHe’s a compassionate, caring, loving, gracious, and giving Friend. And the only thing I need to do is hang around Him. Spending time with God’s people As a three-year-old, I sat on the pew with my mom and dad at Calvary Temple in San Jose, California, as Pastor Kermit Jeffries gave a message on hell. Usually, when Pastor Jeffries preached, Mom would give me some cookies or Lifesavers, and I would lie down and fall asleep. But for some reason on this particular morning, when he started talking about the devil, my ears perked up, and I listened carefully. “Satan has a stopwatch in his hand,” Pastor Jeffries said. “He realizes time is running out. He’s grabbing every man and woman, boy and girl he possibly can, and he’s pulling them into the fires of hell.” As soon as Pastor Jeffries gave an invitation to those who wanted to escape Satan’s grasp, I scooted down the aisle to the front as quickly as I could. I got saved. Why?

Because I was seeking the truth? Exploring the philosophies of the Western mentality? Trying to determine esoterically if there is truth, or if existential thought was the conclusion of my pursuit? No. I wasn’t seeking, pursuing, thinking, or working. I was just where Jesus was. My heart breaks when I know people who are hurting are hanging out at the local tavern. They’re missing relational, financial, emotional, and occupational blessings because they’re not hanging out with Jesus. Those who were around Jesus were blessed just because He looked at them and had compassion on them. Spending time in God’s Word Jesus is revealed not only through His people, but also in His Word. Often, I open the Scriptures and suddenly find something that answers the question for me, gives a solution to me, and satisfies the longing within me. Coming down from Highway 62 after the accident in which the Lord took my first wife Terry home, a word from the Lord was whispered in my heart that I didn’t even know I knew: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Jer_29:11 As I listen to His still small voice revealed through His Word to my heart, as I hang out with Him in the multitude of His people, I experience miracle after miracle, blessing after blessing. And when I feel like I’m in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time, I have learned that He can work even in Decapolis because He looks upon me with compassion. I so appreciate our Lord Jesus. He is truly good. As the multitudes left, they did so with full stomachs and healed bodies, with praises flowing from their lips and excitement filling their hearts amazed by the compassion and goodness of Jesus Christ. Hang around Him, precious people, and you’ll do the same.