Redefine What Defiles
The Jewish tradition of using parables was a common way to teach morals and ethics in a complicated fashion. Indeed, these slightly convoluted stories and teachings allowed the listener to analyze, question and reflect deeply about the message of the parable. No doubt this was a favorite method of teaching for Jesus of Nazareth. Feeling the opposition from the Pharisees and Sadducees sects of Judaism, Jesus used the following parable to shake the established doctrines of cleanliness of kosher foods and how to maintain a clean soul. This parable is shared by both the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 15:12-21 Mark 7:17-23
From both versions of the parable, the word “defile” is the most prominent aspect of the parable. It is a strong word that means “to make dirty or foul” and Jesus uses this word in many ways. First, Jesus explains that defiling the body with evil that comes from the heart and out the mouth. Second,......
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Approximate Word Count: 1164
Approximate Pages: 5 (260 words per double-spaced page) |