Mark 7:14-23

Introduction

Mark 7:14–23: Today’s reading is Mark’s account of the second extended speech of Jesus (see Mark 4:1–34, the readings from September 1, 2, and 3). Jesus emphasizes that impurity comes from one’s heart and not by improper observance of ritual practices.

Today’s Key Verse: Mark 7:15b

[Jesus said:] “It is what comes out of you that makes you unclean.”

Reading

¹⁴ Then Jesus called the crowd to him once more and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand. ¹⁵ There is nothing that goes into you from the outside which can make you ritually unclean. Rather, it is what comes out of you that makes you unclean.” ¹⁶ 

¹⁷ When he left the crowd and went into the house, his disciples asked him to explain this saying. ¹⁸ “You are no more intelligent than the others,” Jesus said to them. “Don’t you understand? Nothing that goes into you from the outside can really make you unclean, ¹⁹ because it does not go into your heart but into your stomach and then goes on out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared that all foods are fit to be eaten.)

²⁰ And he went on to say, “It is what comes out of you that makes you unclean. ²¹ For from the inside, from your heart, come the evil ideas which lead you to do immoral things, to rob, kill, ²² commit adultery, be greedy, and do all sorts of evil things; deceit, indecency, jealousy, slander, pride, and folly— ²³ all these evil things come from inside you and make you unclean.”

Reflect

Reread verses 20–23. What evil things make one unclean? What resources does God give us to address these evil things? What have you learned from today’s reading?

Pray

Lord God, remind me that evil thoughts within my heart and mind can lead to behaviors that are not in accord with your will. Help me to be mindful of my attitudes so that my words and actions reflect your love, mercy, and grace. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Kings 3:1–15: King Solomon prays for wisdom.