Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.”
He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Matthew 15:1-2, 10-11

The Pharisees were (again) criticizing Jesus – this time because He and the disciples did not do the ritualistic washing of hands before a meal.  Jesus takes this time to teach a lesson, saying how what we say can sometimes be more damaging than what we do.  In another view, this is Jesus saying how our traditions, while honorable and good, can sometimes get in the way of true righteousness.  The Pharisees would go through all the motions, the ritualistic washing of hands, following the letter, if not intent of the law, and consider themselves more godly.  Jesus, on the other hand, recognizes that traditions are good and useful, but a heart aligned with God is far more important.

James states that with the tongue we can both bless and curse someone (James 3:9-10).  Both James and Jesus remind us that our thoughts, actions and words are all important and must be centered upon love.

As you journey through this week, use your tongue to bless others, speak truth in love and consider your words carefully.

Peace,

Pastor Bill