“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”– Matthew 15:11
Matthew 15:11 Meaning
This verse speaks volumes about the true nature of what truly matters in our lives. It reminds us that it’s not the food we eat that defines us, but rather the words we speak and the actions we take. In the context of our faith and how we relate to one another, it highlights the importance of being mindful of our speech and the impact it has on our relationships and our spiritual walk. We can reflect on how we talk to our friends and family, the things we say in public, and even our inner thoughts. This verse encourages us to prioritize our character over our external actions.
The essence here isn’t merely concerned with the physical act of eating. Instead, it points more towards a deeper, spiritual understanding of purity and cleanliness. It teaches us that our nature and morality are not about our dietary choices, but about the purity of our hearts and the honesty of our words. This calls us to examine our actions and to understand that it is the kindness and truthfulness we express that truly shapes our identities.
Matthew 15:11 Commentary and Explanation
When Jesus mentioned that what goes into a mouth does not defile, He was addressing the religious leaders of His time. They had strict rules around food and cleanliness, which they believed were indicative of a person’s holiness. These rules were meant to guide the people, but they became so focused on the external acts that they lost sight of what was truly important – the condition of their hearts. We can relate to this situation in many aspects of our lives today. We sometimes get caught up in the little details, forgetting the bigger picture of grace and truth. We should remember that what truly defiles us comes from our hearts.
It’s beneficial for us to recognize how we speak and interact with others. Are our words encouraging? Do we lift others up or tear them down? Scripture reminds us in James 3:9-10, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” This serves as a warning that the words we speak hold power and reflect our inner character, thus shaping our environment. Our speech can either build community or break it down.
We gain strength from the idea that our value comes from who we are in Christ, not from our adherence to laws or traditions. Rather, we are called to focus on love and kindness. We can pray and ask God to help us be more aware of our words. Speaking life, hope, love, and encouragement allows others to see the light of Jesus in us. It can help bring healing to relationships, guide others towards the truth, and ultimately glorify God.
Context of Matthew 15:11
This verse appears in the gospel of Matthew as part of a larger discussion about purity and religious practices. The Pharisees and scribes approached Jesus with concerns about the disciples not washing their hands before eating. Their focus on this ritual hygiene demonstrates an external concern for the rules of cleanliness rather than the condition of one’s heart.
In Matthew’s narrative, Jesus emphasizes love and compassion as the heart of the law. He sees that the rigid adherence to laws, like hand washing, restricts people from experiencing the heart of God. When we reflect on Jesus’ answer to their concerns, we see that He prioritizes internal virtues over external regulations. It serves as a reminder that our faith is not just about avoidance of sin or adherence to rules but embracing a relationship with Him that transforms our hearts.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 15:11
The phrase “What goes into someone’s mouth” refers to physical food consumed. Jesus used this to demonstrate that external acts, like eating or drinking, do not make someone morally or spiritually impure. It encourages us to understand food and its consumption as part of daily life that does not define us in our relationship with God. The focus should remain on our actions and words, which stem from the heart and are deeply rooted in our faith.
The concept of “what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them,” highlights the importance of our words. Our speech is a direct reflection of what’s happening within our hearts. The things we say can reveal our true thoughts and feelings. If our hearts are filled with anger or resentment, those emotions can leak out through negative words and actions. Conversely, a heart filled with love and compassion will lead us to speak encouragingly and supportively.
This verse challenges us to take an introspective look at ourselves—what is our speech revealing about our hearts? Every day, we have the opportunity to choose our words wisely and to ensure they reflect the love of Christ. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” This serves as a powerful reminder that we should strive for wholesome speech that uplifts and encourages those around us.
Lessons From Matthew 15:11
When we reflect on Matthew 15:11, we discover many valuable lessons for our spiritual life and interactions with others. First, we learn that it is crucial to keep our focus on internal purity rather than merely external adherence to rules. Our faith and relationship with God are about a transformation that starts within us, flowing outward into our actions and speech. This calls us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ that molds our character and guides our conversations.
Another vital lesson is the importance of self-awareness in our communication. We need to examine not just what we say, but why we say it. Are we speaking out of love and mercy, or are we allowing negativity to flow into our conversations? Understanding our motivation helps us recognize areas in our lives that may require change. Regular self-reflection and prayer can guide us to greater kindness and mercy, which are at the heart of the Gospel.
Let us also remember that our words have the power to shape our reality. In Proverbs 18:21, we learn, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” They can comfort, encourage, or tear down relationships and communities. As followers of Christ, we must strive to use our words to reflect His love and truth. Choosing to speak love and encouragement can create an atmosphere of support and community, and this small act can sometimes bear significant fruit in those we interact with.
Lastly, we have an opportunity to bear witness to the love of Christ through our conversations. When people see our kindness, empathy, and grace in our words, they can experience a glimpse of God’s character. It invites them to seek out a relationship with Him, leading to transformative experiences fueled by love.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 15:11 holds profound truths that extend beyond dietary laws. It teaches us to align our hearts with God’s purpose, where the condition of our hearts dictates the quality of our words and actions. Let us remember that we are called to reflect Christ in everything we do, fostering love, humility, and integrity. We can strive to embody the fruits of the Spirit in our conversations, offering grace to ourselves and others. As we do this, we create an environment of faith that glorifies God and inspires those around us into a deeper relationship with Him.
Lastly, we can encourage one another to seek out more enlightening topics within scriptures that aim to uplift our spirits and draw us nearer to God. For example, you might want to explore Bible verses about sound mind or discover thoughtful reflections in Matthew 14:21 as you continue your journey through God’s Word.