The Tradition of the Elders 1Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” 3Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’a and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’b 5But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ 6he need not honor his father or mother with it.c Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: 8‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 9They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’d” What Defiles a Man 10Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand. 11A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” 12Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” 13But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. 14Disregard them! They are blind guides.e If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” 15Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked. 17“Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. 20These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.” The Faith of the Canaanite Woman 21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” 23But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26But Jesus replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogsf eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” 28“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. The Feeding of the Four Thousand 29Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down. 30Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them. 31The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. 32Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” 33The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” 34“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 37They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38A total of four thousand men were fed, besides women and children. 39After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Footnotes: 4 a Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 4 b Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9 6 c NE and TR (see also Mark 7:12); literally he need not honor his father or mother; SBL, NA, WH, and BYZ do not include or mother. 9 d Isaiah 29:13 (see also LXX) 14 e Or blind guides of the blind 27 f Or puppies Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 15 Summary Tradition and faithVerses 1–9 — Confrontation over Tradition Verses 10–20 — True Defilement Explained Verses 21–28 — Faith of the Canaanite Woman Verses 29–31 — Healings on the Galilean Hillside Verses 32–39 — Feeding the Four Thousand Matthew 15 brings forth critical lessons about tradition, purity, and faith. Jesus refutes the Pharisees' focus on tradition over God's commandments, instructs about true spiritual defilement, and showcases His compassion and divine power through miraculous healings and the feeding of the four thousand. The episode of the Canaanite woman stands out as a testament to the power of persistent faith. Historical Setting and Religious Climate • By the first century, Pharisaic tradition contained a hefty oral code later written in the Mishnah. Hand-washing before meals was not in Moses’ Law but became a badge of piety. • Galilee was dotted with towns influenced by both Jewish and Gentile cultures. Jesus’ movement across political borders (Tyre, Sidon, Decapolis) highlights His mission’s widening scope. Tradition vs. Commandment: The Core Issue (vv. 1-9) • Exodus 20:12 commands honoring parents; Exodus 21:17 warns, “He who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.” Pharisaic loophole (“Corban”—Mark 7:11) allowed funds to be “devoted to God” and withheld from parents. Jesus frames this as hypocrisy. • Isaiah 29:13 is applied: ritual lip-service without heart obedience. The same theme appears in 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Defilement From Within (vv. 10-20) • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Jesus echoes this wisdom. • The list—evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimony, slanders—mirrors the Ten Commandments, showing continuity with the Law while stressing internal origin. • Acts 10:15 later confirms the shift from ceremonial food boundaries when Peter hears, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Journey to Tyre and Sidon: Gentile Shores • Tyre and Sidon lay in Phoenician territory (modern Lebanon). Elijah had ministered in the same region to the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17), hinting at God’s concern beyond Israel. • Archaeology: coin finds and inscriptions show bustling trade, Greek culture, and a sizable Gentile population—underscoring the cultural leap Jesus makes. The Canaanite Woman’s Bold Faith (vv. 21-28) • Her address, “Son of David,” recognizes Jesus’ Messianic title. • Jesus’ initial silence tests perseverance (see Genesis 32:26—Jacob’s persistence). • The “dogs” term reflected Jewish idiom for Gentiles; her humble yet confident reply demonstrates faith unhindered by ethnic barriers. • Outcome aligns with Genesis 12:3—“All families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Healings in the Decapolis Region (vv. 29-31) • Matthew abbreviates a session that Mark 7:31-37 details more fully (healing a deaf-mute). • “God of Israel” praise from mixed crowds shows that supernatural signs turned multicultural audiences toward Israel’s covenant God. • Isaiah 35:5-6 anticipated such days: “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened… the lame will leap like a deer.” Feeding the Four Thousand (vv. 32-39) • Distinct from the earlier feeding of five thousand (Matthew 14): different numbers, location (Gentile-leaning Decapolis versus Jewish Galilee), and symbolism—seven baskets (often linked with Gentile completeness) instead of twelve (tribes of Israel). • 2 Kings 4:42-44 shows Elisha multiplying food for a hundred men; Jesus does far greater, affirming His superior authority. • Compassion theme: “I have compassion on the crowd” (v. 32). Repeated miracles underline that mercy is not a one-time event. Archaeological Glimpses • Ritual stone water jars for purification, common in Galilean digs (e.g., Cana), illustrate the hand-washing controversy. • Byzantine mosaics at Tabgha (near Magadan) depict two fish and seven loaves, early Christian memory of this event. • Ruins of Magdala reveal first-century fishing industry and a synagogue, matching the Gospel’s shoreline movements. Connections to Other Scriptures • Heart over ritual: Psalm 51:17; Micah 6:6-8. • Gentile faith applauded: Centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13); Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19). • Multiplication motif: Exodus 16 (manna); John 6 uses feeding imagery to reveal Jesus as the Bread of Life. Practical Takeaways • Guard the inside: external conformity cannot replace a pure heart. • Traditions serve until they hinder obedience—test every practice by Scripture. • No one is outside Christ’s reach; persistent faith opens doors. • Jesus cares for both spiritual and physical needs—follow His compassionate example. Summary Thought Matthew 15 moves from a clash over empty religion to sweeping acts of mercy that cross cultural lines, showing that Jesus fulfills the Law’s intent, cleanses hearts, and feeds the hungry of every nation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Tradition vs. Commandment Mark 7:8-9, where Jesus similarly addresses the issue of human traditions. Heart and Speech Proverbs 4:23, which emphasizes guarding the heart as the wellspring of life. Faith and Healing Hebrews 11:6, highlighting the necessity of faith to please God. God's Provision Philippians 4:19, affirming that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Teaching Points Confrontation with TraditionJesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matthew 15:3). True Defilement Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth, not what goes in, defiles a person. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man (Matthew 15:18). Faith of the Canaanite Woman A Canaanite woman demonstrates great faith, leading to her daughter's healing. O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire (Matthew 15:28). Miraculous Provision Jesus feeds four thousand men, besides women and children, with seven loaves and a few small fish, showcasing His compassion and divine provision (Matthew 15:32-38). Practical Applications Evaluate TraditionsRegularly assess whether your traditions align with biblical teachings or if they have become mere rituals. Guard Your Heart Focus on cultivating a pure heart, as it is the source of true defilement or purity. Exercise Faith Approach God with the bold faith of the Canaanite woman, trusting in His power and mercy. Rely on God's Provision Trust in God's ability to provide for your needs, even when resources seem scarce. People 1. JesusThe central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as teaching and performing miracles. He addresses the Pharisees and scribes, heals the Canaanite woman's daughter, and feeds the four thousand. 2. Pharisees and Scribes These religious leaders come from Jerusalem to question Jesus about His disciples not following the tradition of the elders, specifically regarding ceremonial handwashing (Matthew 15:1-2). The Greek term for Pharisees is "Φαρισαῖοι" (Pharisaioi), indicating a sect known for strict adherence to Jewish law. 3. Disciples Jesus' followers who are present throughout the chapter. They question Jesus about His teachings and assist in the feeding of the four thousand (Matthew 15:12, 33-36). 4. Canaanite Woman A Gentile woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who approaches Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her faith is commended by Jesus, and her daughter is healed (Matthew 15:22-28). The term "Canaanite" (Χαναναία, Chananaia) reflects her non-Jewish, pagan background. 5. Crowds Large groups of people who follow Jesus, bringing the sick to be healed and later being fed by Him in the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 15:30-38). Places 1. GennesaretIn Matthew 14:34, just before the events of Matthew 15, Jesus and His disciples land at Gennesaret after crossing the Sea of Galilee. This sets the geographical context for the beginning of Matthew 15. Gennesaret is a fertile plain located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name "Gennesaret" is derived from the Hebrew "Kinneret," which refers to the harp-like shape of the lake. 2. Tyre and Sidon In Matthew 15:21, it is mentioned that "Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon." These are ancient Phoenician cities located along the Mediterranean coast, north of Israel. Tyre and Sidon were known for their wealth and commerce. The mention of these cities highlights Jesus' movement into Gentile territory, which is significant in the context of His interaction with the Canaanite woman. 3. Sea of Galilee While not explicitly named in Matthew 15, the Sea of Galilee is the body of water that Jesus crosses to return to the region of Gennesaret. The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in Israel, known for its role in Jesus' ministry. The Greek term "Thalassa" is used in the New Testament to refer to the sea, emphasizing its importance as a geographical and cultural landmark. Events 1. Pharisees and Scribes Question Jesus (Matthew 15:1-2)The Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem approach Jesus, questioning why His disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating. This reflects the Jewish oral traditions that were highly regarded by the religious leaders. 2. Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees (Matthew 15:3-9) Jesus responds by criticizing the Pharisees for breaking God's commandments for the sake of their traditions. He cites Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Matthew 15:8), highlighting the hypocrisy of valuing human traditions over divine commandments. 3. Teaching on What Defiles a Person (Matthew 15:10-11) Jesus calls the crowd and teaches that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, as it reflects the heart. This challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws and emphasizes inner purity. 4. Disciples Question Jesus (Matthew 15:12-14) The disciples inform Jesus that the Pharisees were offended by His teaching. Jesus responds by saying that every plant not planted by His heavenly Father will be uprooted, and He calls the Pharisees "blind guides." 5. Parable Explained (Matthew 15:15-20) Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable, and Jesus clarifies that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart and defiles a person. He lists evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and other sins as what truly defiles, not unwashed hands. 6. Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28) Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman pleads for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initially being silent and stating His mission to Israel, Jesus commends her great faith and grants her request, healing her daughter. 7. Healing of Many (Matthew 15:29-31) Jesus moves to the Sea of Galilee, where He heals many people, including the lame, blind, and mute. The crowd marvels and glorifies the God of Israel, recognizing the divine power at work through Jesus. 8. Feeding of the Four Thousand (Matthew 15:32-39) Jesus expresses compassion for the crowd that has been with Him for three days without food. With seven loaves and a few small fish, He miraculously feeds four thousand men, besides women and children, and collects seven baskets of leftovers. This event underscores Jesus' provision and care for both physical and spiritual needs. Topics 1. Traditions and Commandments (Matthew 15:1-9)Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes who question Him about His disciples not following the tradition of washing hands. He responds by highlighting their hypocrisy in prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Matthew 15:8). The Greek word for "tradition" (παράδοσις, paradosis) emphasizes the human customs that were being elevated above divine law. 2. What Defiles a Man (Matthew 15:10-20) Jesus teaches the crowd that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, as it reflects the heart. He explains to His disciples that evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and other sins originate from the heart. The Greek term for "defile" (κοινοῦν, koinoun) refers to making something common or unclean, emphasizing the internal source of impurity. 3. The Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28) A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter to be healed. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith leads Jesus to commend her, saying, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire" (Matthew 15:28). The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις, pistis) underscores her trust and belief in Jesus' power and mercy. 4. The Healing of Many (Matthew 15:29-31) Jesus moves to the region of the Sea of Galilee, where He heals many who are lame, blind, mute, and others with various ailments. The crowd marvels and glorifies the God of Israel. This passage highlights Jesus' compassion and divine authority to heal. 5. Feeding the Four Thousand (Matthew 15:32-39) Jesus expresses compassion for the crowd that has been with Him for three days without food. He miraculously feeds four thousand men, besides women and children, with seven loaves and a few small fish. The Greek word for "compassion" (σπλαγχνίζομαι, splagchnizomai) indicates a deep, visceral empathy, reflecting Jesus' care for both physical and spiritual needs. Themes 1. Tradition vs. CommandmentJesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes on their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments. He quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Matthew 15:8). The Greek word for "tradition" (παράδοσις, paradosis) highlights the human customs that can sometimes overshadow divine law. 2. Purity and Defilement Jesus teaches that what defiles a person is not what enters the mouth, but what comes out of it, emphasizing the heart's condition. He states, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man" (Matthew 15:18). The Greek term for "defile" (κοινοῦν, koinoun) refers to making something common or unclean. 3. Faith of the Canaanite Woman The faith of the Canaanite woman is highlighted as she persistently seeks healing for her daughter. Jesus commends her faith, saying, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire" (Matthew 15:28). Her account underscores the theme of faith transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. 4. Healing and Compassion Jesus demonstrates His compassion and divine authority through healing the multitudes. The passage notes, "Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them" (Matthew 15:30). This theme emphasizes Jesus' role as the compassionate healer. 5. Provision and Abundance The feeding of the four thousand illustrates Jesus' provision and the abundance of God's kingdom. After giving thanks, He breaks the loaves and fish, and "they all ate and were satisfied" (Matthew 15:37). The Greek word for "satisfied" (χορτάζω, chortazo) implies being filled or fully satisfied, reflecting God's abundant provision. Answering Tough Questions 1. If Jesus is all-loving, why does He initially dismiss the Canaanite woman so harshly (Matthew 15:24–26)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees challenge your understanding of tradition and commandments? 2. What does the story of the Canaanite woman teach you about persistence and faith? 3. How does Jesus' miracle of feeding the four thousand resonate with your understanding of God's provision? 4. In what ways can you identify with the Canaanite woman in her desperation and faith? 5. How does Jesus' explanation of true defilement challenge your understanding of sin and purity? 6. Why do you think Jesus initially did not respond to the Canaanite woman's plea? 7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you value God's commandments above human traditions? 8. How does Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman shape your understanding of His character? 9. What can you learn from the crowd's response to Jesus' healings and miracles? 10. How can Jesus' compassion towards the multitude inspire you to show compassion in your community? 11. How do the Pharisees' accusation and Jesus' response affect your understanding of hypocrisy in religious practice? 12. How does the Canaanite woman's faith challenge or encourage your personal faith journey? 13. How can the story of Jesus feeding the multitude inspire you in times of scarcity or need? 14. How does this chapter shape your understanding of Jesus' mission and authority? 15. How can you apply the lesson of true defilement in your day-to-day life? 16. What does the faith of the Canaanite woman teach about the inclusiveness of God's grace? 17. How does the crowd's praise after witnessing Jesus' miracles challenge your response to God's work in your life? 18. Why is it important to understand the difference between human tradition and God's commandments as seen in this chapter? 19. In what areas of your life do you need to show faith like the Canaanite woman? 20. How can you be a conduit of Jesus' compassion in your interactions with others? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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