Matthew 15:17
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
أَلاَ تُدْرِكُونَ بَعْدُ أَنَّ الطَّعَامَ الَّذِي يَدْخُلُ الْفَمَ يَنْزِلُ إِلَى الْبَطْنِ، ثُمَّ يُطْرَحُ إِلَى الْخَلاَءِ؟
What Does This Mean?
Jesus is speaking here and says that what goes into our mouths doesn't make us unclean, but rather it passes through the body and out again. He's explaining that moral purity isn't about food or physical cleanliness.
Explained for Children
Imagine you eat some pizza. The pizza goes in your mouth, down to your tummy, then eventually comes out. Jesus is saying this doesn’t make you good or bad; what matters more is how we think and act.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD for a Jewish-Christian audience. Here, Jesus is teaching against the Pharisees who focused on external purity laws, emphasizing instead that inner purity matters most.
Living It Out Today
Today, someone might be judged based on their food choices or habits, but what truly counts is how we treat others and our intentions. It's not about outward appearances or actions alone.
Topics
purityinner vs outer cleanlinessmoral purityjudgmentfaith over ritualsspiritual growth
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'is cast out into the draught' mean?
This phrase refers to how our bodies digest and expel waste. It means that whatever we eat eventually leaves the body, highlighting that physical intake doesn't determine moral purity.
Why did Jesus mention this to the Pharisees?
Jesus addressed the Pharisees because they were overly concerned with external rituals and cleanliness laws. He wanted them to focus on true spiritual purity instead of just outward appearances.
How can we apply this in our daily lives?
We should focus more on how our actions affect others and our inner intentions rather than worrying excessively about minor external rules or habits that don't impact moral character.
Does this mean dietary laws are not important at all?
No, Jesus isn’t dismissing all food regulations. He emphasizes distinguishing between what’s truly essential for spiritual health and what's just a matter of personal preference or cultural practice.