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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Matthew 15:1-20
The religious zeal of the Pharisees confined itself to the strict observance of a certain number of exterior forms and traditions. And, under cover of this religious appearance (which can fool men but cannot deceive God) they followed the inclinations of their natural heart. Through their avarice they had thereby exempted themselves from even their most elementary duties, such as that of providing for the needs of their parents (v. 5; cf. Proverbs 28:24). The Lord’s question (v. 3) answered point for point that of the Pharisees (v. 2). These latter, by their traditions, made the commandments of God of no effect. Then the Lord Jesus, for whom these commandments were wholly His delight, confounds these hypocrites by their own Scriptures. Then, for the benefit of His disciples who were somewhat disconcerted by His remarks, He lays bare the evil nature of the human heart and shows its utter ruin. Yes, the hands may be scrupulously washed . . . at the same time the heart is full of defilement. We must own the truth of this fearful assessment of the human heart, of our own heart, even though we may hide its contents under a flattering and respectable appearance!
