Mark 7:20

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.”

Context:Mark 7:20 is part of a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the tradition of ceremonial handwashing before eating. The Pharisees criticized Jesus and his disciples for not following this tradition. In response, Jesus taught them about the true nature of defilement.

Understanding the verse:In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that what truly defiles a person does not come from external factors, such as food or external actions, but rather from within the heart and mind of a person. Jesus highlights the importance of inner purity and righteousness rather than merely focusing on outward rituals or traditions.

• The problem of defilement:Jesus’ statement challenges the common understanding of the time that ritual purity was necessary for spiritual cleanliness. He teaches that true defilement is not caused by external factors but by the condition of one’s heart and the thoughts that proceed from it.
• The importance of the heart:Jesus often addressed the condition of the heart in His teachings. He recognized that evil thoughts, intentions, and desires originate within a person’s heart, leading to sinful actions. Therefore, true transformation and righteousness should begin with the heart, which is the core of a person’s being.

Application:As followers of Christ, we should focus on developing a Christ-centered character and cultivating inner purity. We can do this by regularly examining our thoughts, motives, and desires, and aligning them with the teachings of Jesus. We should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and enable us to live lives that honor God and reflect His love and righteousness to others.

• Remember, studying the Bible in-depth involves considering the broader context and connecting it with other verses and teachings. It’s beneficial to read the entire chapter or even the entire book of Mark to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.