by Ed Allen | Mar 18, 2019 | Articles, What Do You Think?
Mark 7: 14 After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. 16 [“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”] 17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) 20 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Observation) In verses 14-16 Jesus answers the charge of the Pharisees and scribes that the disciples were violating the traditions of the elders by eating without washing. The explanation of the parable decries the wickedness of those who keep their traditions while sinning against their fellows. (Interpretation) A man is not defiled by what goes into his belly, but by what comes out of his heart. The words and actions of a man reveal what is in his heart; whether good or evil. (Cross-reference) Matthew 12: 33 “Either...
by Walt Henrichsen | Mar 4, 2019 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“He said, ‘Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed him to scorn.” Matthew 9:24 Jairus, one of the Jewish leaders, asked Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Upon arriving at Jairus’ home, the daughter had already died. Jesus asked the mourners to leave so He could awaken her from her sleep. Upon hearing this, “they laughed him to scorn.” Jesus incited them to admit she was dead, else when He raised her from the dead they were apt to say she was only asleep. This way Jesus got them to admit that what He was about to do was miraculous; when she arose from the dead they had to admit they had witnessed a miracle. You must use the same strategy in your relationships with others. Until a person realizes he is sick, he resists going to the doctor. Unless a person admits he has a need, he sees no compelling reason to surrender his life to Christ. Unless you admit that God will judge you, and that that judgment will influence the quality of your eternity, you will not be motivated to yield to His authority. For more articles by Walt...
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