The parable concerning "Meats Defiling Not" is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, verses 14-23, and is paralleled in Matthew 15:10-20. This teaching of Jesus addresses the concerns of ritual purity and the true source of defilement, challenging the prevailing Jewish customs of His time.

Context and Setting

In the context of Mark 7, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees and scribes who criticized His disciples for eating with unwashed hands, a practice that violated the traditions of the elders (Mark 7:1-5). The Pharisees held to strict interpretations of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing external rituals and purity codes. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of defilement.

The Parable

Jesus calls the crowd to Him and declares, "Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him" (Mark 7:14-15). This statement is revolutionary, as it shifts the focus from external observance to internal morality.

Explanation to the Disciples

Later, when His disciples ask for clarification, Jesus explains, "Are you still so dull? Do you not see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him? For it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated." (Mark 7:18-19). In saying this, Jesus declares all foods clean, a significant departure from Jewish dietary laws.

Jesus further elaborates, "What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man" (Mark 7:20-23).

Theological Implications

This teaching emphasizes the primacy of the heart in matters of purity and righteousness. Jesus underscores that true defilement is a matter of the heart and mind, not external adherence to dietary laws or ritual practices. This parable aligns with the broader biblical theme that God desires a pure heart and sincere devotion over mere ritual compliance (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 51:10).

Impact on Early Christianity

The parable of "Meats Defiling Not" had profound implications for the early Christian community, particularly in the context of Gentile inclusion. It laid the groundwork for the apostolic decision at the Jerusalem Council, where the early church determined that Gentile converts were not bound by Jewish dietary laws (Acts 15:28-29). This teaching of Jesus helped to establish the principle that faith in Christ transcends cultural and ritualistic boundaries, uniting believers in a new covenant based on grace and truth.

Conclusion

The parable of "Meats Defiling Not" is a pivotal teaching of Jesus that challenges believers to examine the condition of their hearts and to prioritize inner purity over external observance. It calls Christians to a deeper understanding of holiness, rooted in the transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit.Matthew 15:10-15
And he called the multitude, and said to them, Hear, and understand:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

part ii
... of the passions "of pride, envy, covetousness, malice"do not themselves know what
they do, as the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ knew not what they did ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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