Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile?

Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile? (Mark 7:18)

This continues Jesus' discussion with the disciples about what truly makes a person unclean. Jesus says it is not what goes into one's mouth that makes one unclean; it's the other way around: What we say reveals what is in our heart. And Jesus added a list of those things: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All of these defile.

We can easily say it's not what we eat, but what we consume that can consume us. A steady diet of less than positive television, reading, music, etc. can serve to make us unclean.

Seek the things of God.

Comments

If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? (John 21:22)

If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Image from bandofbrothersdevotional.com Peter asked Jesus a question about "the beloved disciple," who was John. Peter wanted to know what would happen to John. Jesus replied with the question: If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? And the question was immediately followed by a command, "Follow me!" We can preoccupy ourselves with matters about other people, but the question Jesus asks is about us and what we are doing. And the same command follows that: Follow me! We have barely enough time to worry about our spiritual life, why spend too much time worrying about those for whom we can probably do nothing for? It's like the airline procedure; make sure you're first, then help out. But, Jesus still says, "Follow me!" Dear friends, thank you for reading these points. This was the last question asked by Jesus and so this ends this blog. I have...

But to what will I compare this generation?

But to what will I compare this generation? (Matthew 11:16) This question comes during Jesus' discussion about John the Baptist and his ministry and purpose. Jesus is lamenting that while many were touched by it, the generation of unbelievers still continued in their wicked ways. The utter reality of that way of life leaves Jesus asking this question; Could there possibly be anything to compare to a generation that refuses a relationship with their God? How do you see our generation honestly? Have we improved and gotten ourselves closer to God? While I believe there is hope, there is still much to do.

But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’

But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’ (Matthew 26:54) ' Jesus knew to trust God. Jesus knew God's plan for His life, and trusted all that happened, because He had read about it. This question asks the question, even when He is being arrested after His betrayal by a dear friend and disciple. "How else would the greater thing happen, if this was not necessary?" We tend to get angry and cry that things did not work out our way, but if we could step back and see from a perspective of faith that what may be coming after the incident that made us cry, we would smile and say, God knows better, and this that happened can serve to teach me something. The key is to stay connected with God by reading the scriptures. There's a lot of wealth and wisdom to be found in the Bible's pages, and they don't magically come out; we must open the Bible, pray as we read, and reap the blessings that it contains for our lives.

Questions Jesus Asked

Search This Blog