15. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 15

Read Chapter 15: The Gospel According to Matthew

മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 15 P. O. C ബൈബിള്‍

Study Notes: Matthew Chapter 15

Matthew 15:1-20: The Tradition of the Elders

- Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem questioned Jesus about the disciples not following the tradition of elders, specifically regarding handwashing before meals.

- Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy, accusing them of breaking God's commandment by prioritizing their traditions over honoring parents.

- He cited the commandment to honor parents and exposed their practice of dedicating support to God as a way to avoid responsibility.

- Jesus denounced the Pharisees as hypocrites, quoting Isaiah's prophecy about empty worship and teaching human precepts as divine doctrines.

- He emphasized the importance of genuine worship and warned against mere lip service with hearts far from God.

- Jesus taught the crowd that defilement comes from the heart, not from what is eaten. It is not external actions but internal thoughts and words that matter.

- He emphasized the significance of words and their power to defile a person.

- Disciples informed Jesus that the Pharisees were offended. Jesus responded by describing the Pharisees as blind guides and cautioned against following them.

- He used a metaphor of the blind leading the blind, warning of the consequences for both if they continue in their misguided ways.

- Peter asked Jesus to explain the parable. Jesus clarified that what goes into the mouth does not defile, but what comes out of the mouth reveals the condition of the heart.

- Jesus listed various evils that originate from the heart, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure heart.

Matthew 15:21-28: The Canaanite Woman’s Faith

- Jesus went to Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman sought help for her demon-possessed daughter.

- Initially, Jesus seemed reluctant, stating His mission to the house of Israel, but the woman's persistent faith moved Him.

- Jesus praised her great faith, granted her request, and healed her daughter.

Matthew 15:29-31: Healing Many People

- Jesus moved to the Sea of Galilee, attracting large crowds with the sick. He healed the lame, blind, deformed, and mute, garnering praise for the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:32-39: The Feeding of the Four Thousand

- Jesus expressed compassion for the hungry crowd after three days with no food.

- With seven loaves and a few fish, Jesus performed a miraculous feeding, satisfying four thousand men plus women and children.

- Seven baskets of fragments were collected, emphasizing God's abundant provision.

Conclusion:

Matthew Chapter 15 teaches us about the importance of genuine faith, the true nature of defilement, and the need to prioritize God's commandments over human traditions. It challenges us to look beyond external rituals and embrace a faith that comes from the heart.