Mark 7:17-23 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.… Having rebuked the scribes and Pharisees, our Lord addressed the people, and laid down a great general principle (ver. 15), which His disciples asked Him to explain more fully. We are taught — I. THAT MERE EXTERNAL OBSERVANCES DO NOT AFFECT OR CHANGE THE MORAL STATE AND CHARACTER OF MAN. 1. The statement that nothing from without defileth a man, must be taken in connection with what goes before, and then it becomes a principle, of which the Jews had much need to be told. All require to be told. 2. That mere outward observances cannot affect the moral nature, seems a very simple truth. Reason teaches it. The body may be affected by them, but not the soul; to influence the heart, means of a right class must be selected. Experience teaches it. Observation confirms it. 3. This principle requires in our day to be loudly proclaimed. 4. The more nearly the soul can come to God, irrespective of outward things, the better. II. THAT THE MORAL STATE AND CHARACTER OF A MAN, IS AFFECTED BY THAT WHICH COMETH OUT OF HIS HEART. 1. The fountainhead of all that enters into human history and character, is the heart. Hence, the character of the moral law, the order of the Spirit's work, the importance of the inspired precept, "Keep thine heart," etc. 2. That which naturally proceeds from the heart proves that it is wholly depraved. 3. By these things, which proceed from the heart, is man defiled. Christ's blood and spirit, alone can cleanse. (Expository Discourses.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.WEB: When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. |
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