Mark 7

In the time of Jesus, there were many ancient and deeply held traditions about ceremonial cleanness. These went back to the time when the Israelites had been freed from slavery, and God established a structure of habits, practices, and laws to set them apart for himself while also setting them apart from other nations who worshipped false gods and followed many harmful, evil practices. (See The Prequel for more about those ancient times.)

Over the centuries, the laws for ceremonial cleanness had taken on larger-than-life significance. They’d become the important things themselves, a way to publicly (and pridefully) display super-religiosity and to prove superior spirituality instead of a way to humble one’s self to God and accept the gracious undeserved gift of being his people. What started out as something good and meaningful had become something burdensome and meaningless.

Some people perfectly followed all the ceremonial cleanness laws but were thoroughly unclean in the ways that mattered most: in their hearts and minds and attitudes.

Jesus made it very clear what laws are still in play for his followers today: loving God fully and loving others humbly (more on that in Mark 12), and everything related to the things listed in verses 21 and 22. What you eat, what fabric you wear, what sacred festivals you celebrate — those are no longer in play. Who you worship, how you love, and how you live — those still matter.

READ & REFLECT

Mark 7

verse 15 (Jesus lays down the law)

Jesus said people are themselves defiled (and sometimes also defile or harm others) by what comes out of their hearts (described in verses 21-23). What comes out of people’s hearts is often determined by what goes into their minds. What we see, hear, and think about gives birth to thoughts, desires, and actions. What things that go into your mind or heart affect what comes out of your heart? How have you experienced that? What are some ways you can work on this? (For example: Is there “incoming information” that needs to decrease or stop? Is there other “incoming information” that needs to begin or increase?)

verses 24-37 (Jesus heals “unclean” people in “unclean” ways)

In the ancient world, Gentiles were considered unclean. Women were considered inferior. Saliva was considered insulting and unclean. In light of that, what are your thoughts about Jesus’ words and actions in these stories?

General Reflection:

What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?

Extra Info

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Tyre and Sidon were outside the boundaries of where Jesus typically went. In some ways, these cities were considered “off limits” because they were home to Gentiles, referring to anyone who wasn’t Jewish.
The distinction between Jew and Gentile was very strong. God had always planned that his people, the Jews, would be “a light to the Gentiles.” But over time, distrust and hatred grew between the two groups. But the Bible is clear that Jesus came for all people.

Old Testament References

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Isaiah 29:13

Exodus 20:12

Deuteronomy 5:16

Exodus 21:17

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2103 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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