“He went on: What comes out of a person is what defiles them.”– Mark 7:20
Mark 7:20 Meaning
In Mark 7:20, Jesus provides a crucial teaching about the nature of true defilement. He emphasizes that it is not what enters a person’s mouth that makes them unclean, but rather what comes out of their heart. This teaching challenges the traditional Jewish focus on dietary laws and external purity rituals. Jesus is pointing to the inner workings of our hearts, suggesting that our thoughts, intentions, and actions have a much more profound impact on who we are as people than the food we eat.
This verse resonates deeply with us today. Many times, we may find ourselves focusing on external appearances and judging others based on superficial factors. We might think that if we follow certain rules or look a certain way, we are righteous. However, Jesus is reminding us that what really matters is the state of our hearts. Our true character is revealed in how we act and speak, especially in our interactions with others. This reminds us to pay attention to our inner life and strive to cultivate a heart filled with love, compassion, and kindness.
Mark 7:20 Commentary and Explanation
To fully grasp the significance of Mark 7:20, we should explore its context within Jesus’ broader teaching in Mark 7. Before this verse, He addresses the Pharisees and teaches them about the heart’s condition. The religious leaders were overly concerned with outward actions, such as rituals and traditions, while neglecting the underlying issues of the heart. This battle between external versus internal purity is central to Jesus’ message.
We all struggle with this concept in our daily lives. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of pretending to be someone we’re not, wearing masks that hide our true selves. But Jesus sees through those masks. He calls us to authenticity and to be genuinely transformed from the inside out. This transformation starts with recognizing our own shortcomings and where we might be falling short in our love for others.
Continuing with Jesus’ teaching, He emphasizes that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly all come from within (Mark 7:21-23). Each of these traits reflects a heart that has not been surrendered to God. Therefore, the defilement comes from our own choices and not from the external pressures of society or dietary laws. Jesus is offering a radical approach to spirituality, asking us to evaluate our internal motivations and thought processes.
When we understand that it is our hearts that can give rise to destructive behaviors, we can see the importance of seeking God’s help to cleanse us. We may start our day with prayer, asking God to search our hearts and reveal any areas where we might need renewal. This is a practical way for us to engage with God and to ensure that we are growing in character and integrity. The call for purity is not just about external behavior—it’s about cultivating purity within our thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
Context of Mark 7:20
Mark 7 takes place during a time when Jesus was actively teaching and challenging the religious norms of the day. The Pharisees, who were the religious leaders, often criticized Jesus for His disciples not adhering to the traditional clean and unclean food laws. In their view, failure to follow these laws meant that a person could be deemed ‘unclean’ or defiled. This perspective reflects a narrow understanding of holiness, which Jesus confronts directly.
By stating that “what comes out of a person is what defiles them,” Jesus dismantles their rigid view of spirituality. He brings God’s kingdom into a new light—one that focuses on love and purity of heart rather than mere obedience to rules. The context reminds us that Jesus invites us into a relationship where we prioritize being transformed by His love, rather than just conforming to regulations.
When we consider the broader themes of the gospel, this teaching aligns beautifully with the message of grace. Jesus came not just to fulfill the law and the prophets, but also to fulfill the deeper desire of God to have genuine relationship with us. As we reflect on this, we can understand how we can grow closer to Him by focusing on our hearts and allowing His love to transform us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Mark 7:20
Let’s take a moment to break down some of the key components of Mark 7:20 to better understand its depth. Firstly, the word “what” signifies a shift from the material to the spiritual. Jesus is redirecting our attention—His focus is on internal matters, not external rituals that may seem important. It’s important to remember that our actions stem from what is in our hearts.
Next, the phrase “comes out of a person” emphasizes that our actions, words, and attitudes are birthed from our inner being. This includes our emotions, frustrations, and struggles. It serves as a reminder that our behavior can reflect our internal battles, fears, or insecurities. Furthermore, Jesus uses the term “defiles,” which means to corrupt and make unclean. This strong language conveys the seriousness of the matter—our hearts can be sources of corruption if they harbor negative thoughts or intentions.
This passage leads us to consider what it means to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). By focusing on positive things, we can cultivate a heart aligned with God’s purpose. That includes being kind to others, speaking words of encouragement, and practicing forgiveness. It’s an invitation to align our hearts with the things of God to prevent the emergence of harmful words or actions.
Lessons From Mark 7:20
The lessons from Mark 7:20 are many, and they resonate with us on a deeply personal level. Firstly, we are reminded of the importance of introspection. It challenges us to examine our hearts regularly and assess our motivations. Are we acting out of love, integrity, and grace? It is essential to confront our own shortcomings and ask for God’s guidance in our growth.
Another lesson we can gather is the necessity of authenticity in our relationships with others. Often, we hide behind societal norms or expectations, but Jesus calls us to be genuine. He wants us to be real with one another about our struggles and joy. Authenticity breeds deeper connections with those around us and fosters community built upon love and understanding.
Additionally, Mark 7:20 teaches us about the significance of accountability. We have a responsibility to ourselves and each other as fellow believers. While God is the one who transforms us, we can encourage one another in the process by pointing out areas that need growth. This means engaging in open and supportive conversations rather than judgment or criticism.
Ultimately, this verse calls us to live lives that reflect God’s love and grace. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we can become vessels of His love, kindness, compassion, and truth. Our hearts should be aligned with His, making it easier to produce fruit that glorifies Him.
Final Thoughts
Mark 7:20 offers us invaluable insight into the nature of our hearts and what truly defines us as people. It encourages us to look beyond external appearances and laws, focusing on the inner transformation God desires for each of us. This is a call to prioritization of what truly matters in our faith walk.
As we go about our days, let us keep our hearts open to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape us more into the likeness of Christ. Let us also remember to offer grace to others as they strive for transformation on their journeys. We are all in this together, learning and growing through God’s love and forgiveness.
If you wish to explore additional insights on scripture, consider checking out Mark 7:14 for a deeper understanding of these teachings. You may also find it enriching to read more about separating spirit from flesh in this article Summary of the Book of Revelation Chapter by Chapter.