Matthew 15:11-15

Mat 15:11 (KJB)
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Jesus then continues His comments on the ceremonial washing of the hands which the Pharisees taught would make any food unclean for consumption. Jesus clarifies that belief by stating that it is not food which defiles a man. The word “defileth” here denotes a person being “ceremonially unclean or defiled.” Jesus is trying to disabuse the belief that food can make one clean or unclean. He then goes on to state that the words which comes out of a man’s mouth is what makes him unclean. The reason for this is that the words a man speaks normally comes out of his repository of beliefs. If a man believes in evolution, he will espouse evolution. If a man believes in creation, he will espouse creation. Jesus is saying that the food has nothing to do with the sinful nature but it is a heart issue. Those who are unsaved have unregenerate hearts and they will oppose the truth of God with it. (Rom 1:21 KJV) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Mat 15:12 (KJB)
Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Offended - Shocked, angered, place a stumbling block in front

Once Jesus finished the teaching the disciples came to Him and told Him that the Pharisees were offended at what He taught concerning the washing of the hands. To the Pharisees, speaking against the oral law was like speaking against the written law. The disciples were probably concerned about any consequences which might occur since Jesus had seemed to offend the leaders.

Mat 15:13 (KJB)
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

(Luke 3:9 KJV) And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Jesus uses the agricultural picture of a plant being uprooted. The lesson here is that those unbelievers, represented by the plants which were not planted by the Father, will be removed and brought into judgment for their false teaching. (James 3:1 KJV) My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. One needs to be well versed in the truth of the Scriptures before they can instruct others and those who instruct others in false teachings will suffer eternal damnation for their rebellious teachings. The plants which the Father plants are those who have become saved through the Lord Jesus Christ. These believers are planted by the will of God and not of their own free will. (John 1:12-13 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: {13} Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Mat 15:14 (KJB)
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

One of the most ominous sayings in Scripture is found in this verse, “Let them alone,” that is, let them do as they please and do not be concerned about them. They have completely distorted the truth of God and Jesus is telling the disciples that they should have nothing to do with them since they have a commission to send forth the Gospel. When one sets up debates or tries to incessantly argue someone into Heaven, they are in essence, wasting the time the Lord has given them plus it is time which can be used to send forth the Gospel. Incessant debates and arguments tend to tie Christians up and divert them from the task of sending forth the Gospel. Jesus is saying in this verse that those who have followed the Pharisees are blind to the truth and the Pharisees are also blind to the truth of God, therefore, they are blind leaders of the blind. It is the spiritually dead teaching the spiritually dead and the ditch they are both going to fall in is eternal Hell. One cannot teach falsely and one cannot believe false teachings and expect to go to Heaven.

Mat 15:15 (KJB)
Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Peter then asked the Lord to give him understanding concerning the parable which began in verse 11. In the early training of the disciples in the synagogues, they were also filled with the false teachings of the Pharisees which were filled with spiritual ignorance and ingrained prejudice. The disciples, by asking Jesus to explain further, were trying to peel away the learned ignorance and come to the truth of what the Scriptures were teaching.

Back