The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 15:1-39

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus’ on Defilement 15:1-20

• “The Traditions of the Elders”

• The Example of Corban

• “The Commandments of Men”

• Defilement Within

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus on Defilement 15:1-20• Washing of Hands – Ritual not for

cleanliness (see Mark 7:3-4).

• “Traditions of the Elders” – Body of traditions of the rabbis regarding obedience to the Law of Moses.

– Many were written in the Jewish Talmud after the destruction of the temple.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus on Defilement 15:1-20• The example of Corban (Mark 7:9-13).

– They were to keep vows to the Lord (Deut 23:21). Their tradition allowed them to break the Law of God! (cf. Josephus Apion, 1.22; Antiquities, IV:4.4; Wars, II:10.2).

– Jesus didn’t condemn obedience to the Law of God but human rules which broke the Law.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus on Defilement 15:1-20• “The Commandments of Men” (Isaiah

29:13 LXX).

– “Unless the Lord builds…” (Ps 127:1).

– “Own desires” (II Tim 4:3).

• Defilement comes from within (cf. Matthew 12:34).

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus’ Miracles 15:21-39

• Healing of Canaanite Woman’s Daughter

• Throwing Children’s Bread to “Dogs”

• Feeding of the 4000

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus’ Miracles 15:21-39• Healing of Canaanite Woman’s

daughter – Is Jesus rude to her? (cf. Luke 4:25-26).

• Feeding of 4000 – 7 loaves & a few fish.

– Power over the elements, power over the needs of the flesh power to sustain man.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Next Week:

Matthew 16:1-28