What Truly Defiles – Exploring Mark 7:1-23 | David Wilber

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, David Wilber delves into the seventh chapter of Mark’s Gospel, specifically verses 1 through 23, to address a critical question: what truly defiles a person? The passage recounts a confrontation between Yeshua (Jesus) and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that era. Wilber highlights that this encounter centers on a dispute about tradition rather than a violation of explicit scriptural commandments.

The Pharisees questioned why Yeshua’s disciples did not adhere to the tradition of the elders by washing their hands before eating. Wilber points out that, according to the Mishnah, a compilation of Jewish oral tradition, ritual hand-washing was a significant practice, even to the extent that questioning its validity could lead to excommunication. While not all rabbis universally agreed on its necessity, it was widely regarded as a sacred tradition among many Jews, a phenomenon with parallels in some Christian groups today who hold firmly to their own traditions.

Wilber suggests that the Pharisees’ challenge to Yeshua stemmed from a sense of being threatened by his growing influence and popularity, as he did not conform to their established religious norms. He draws a relatable analogy to a new employee introducing innovative changes that disrupt the established ways of doing things, even if the new methods are more effective. This leads to a broader reflection on how individuals can become attached to their own traditions and routines, often reacting negatively to challenges to these deeply held practices.

However, Wilber emphasizes a crucial distinction: the conflict in Mark 7 is about the disciples not following the tradition of the elders, not about them breaking any of God’s commandments. This sets the stage for a central theme of the passage: the contrast between God’s commandments and human traditions. While tradition is not inherently negative and can even be meaningful, problems arise when traditions are elevated to the level of commandments or when they distract from true worship.

Wilber explains the likely origin of the Pharisees’ hand-washing ritual, suggesting it was an appropriation of laws given to the Levitical priests in Exodus 30:17-21 concerning washing hands when serving in the tabernacle. The Pharisees seemed to have extended these priestly laws to their own community, viewing every communal meal as akin to a temple meal, requiring a state of ritual purity. This perspective aligns with the broader idea within different Jewish sects of the time, and later in Christian teachings by Paul and Peter, of believers forming a spiritual temple.

In response to the Pharisees’ question, Yeshua immediately rebukes them, quoting Isaiah 29:13: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Wilber highlights that Yeshua shifts the focus from their traditions back to Scripture, emphasizing that the foundation should be God’s commandments. He notes that while Isaiah’s original prophecy referred to his contemporaries, Yeshua applies it to the Pharisees, indicating a recurring pattern of religious hypocrisy throughout history. This serves as a crucial reminder that Scripture is not just historical but relevant to contemporary lives, prompting self-examination.

Yeshua declares that the Pharisees’ worship is in vain because they prioritize their traditions over God’s commands. Wilber elaborates that these traditions, in this instance, act as a mask, giving a false sense of righteousness while their hearts remain distant from God. He poses a vital question for listeners: are there ways in which we deceive ourselves into believing we are right with God based on outward religious observance, while our hearts are far from Him? He warns against using religion as a facade to conceal inner sins, emphasizing that God sees beyond the outward appearance and values obedience to His commands above mere ritualistic practices. Wilber draws a parallel to the prophets like Isaiah who condemned the superficial worship of those who neglected justice and compassion.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Self-Examination: Regularly examine your heart and motives. Are your religious practices stemming from a genuine love for God and others, or are they mere outward shows?
• Prioritize God’s Commands: Ensure that your traditions and personal preferences do not lead you to neglect or disobey explicit commandments of Scripture, such as loving your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39), honoring your parents (Exodus 20:12), and acting justly and mercifully (Micah 6:8).
• Inner Purity: Focus on cultivating inner purity by addressing evil thoughts, selfish desires, and negative attitudes. Recognize that true defilement comes from within, not from external factors related to biblically permissible actions.
• Humility and Discernment: Be cautious about elevating personal traditions to the level of divine commands and judging others based on their adherence to these traditions. Maintain humility and exercise discernment in distinguishing between God’s Word and human customs.
• Authentic Worship: Ensure your worship is not in vain by aligning your outward expressions of faith with a heart that is genuinely devoted to God and obedient to His teachings.

References

• Mark 7:1
• Mark 7:19
• Exodus 30:17-21
• Isaiah 29:13
• Acts 10

Resources Mentioned

• Mishnah
• ESV Bible
• New Testament Studies journal
• The Stomach Purifies All Foods by Logan Williams
• davidwilber.com