…it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.
Matthew 15:11
By fulfilling the Law, Jesus did something new. He moved the emphasis in character beyond petty human legalistic interpretations and endless lists of “do’s and don’t”. The things that really mattered were not outward compliance. Instead, inner change resulting in true righteousness would mark the citizens of Jesus’ kingdom.
Vain religion thrives on conformity and rigid rule-keeping. It was what made the ticked-off Pharisees so mad that Jesus did not follow their non-biblical traditions and requirements for hand-washings. And in their hearts, because what was in them was not from God, hatred blossomed into a murderous rage — proof that Jesus was right about the importance of the correct holy truth producing truly righteous words and deeds.
Lord,
help me to trust the change that salvation in Christ brings as Your Word and Spirit change me from the inside, so that Your works come out.
Amen
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