Friday prior to Proper 17

 

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Mark 7:14–23— What defiles a person? Is it what goes into him? No. We are all defiled by sin. We have inherited our sinful nature from our first parents, and are inclined toward evil. Jesus gives a whole laundry list of wicked thoughts and actions which proceed out of our sinful hearts. We must ever be on guard, not only against the attacks of Satan, as in the epistle lesson, but even on the treachery of our own hearts. We must not depart from the Word of God, but read, hear, and learn it daily to know of both our salvation and of the will of God.

Jesus teaches that people are not defined by food or other things entering the body from the outside, but rather by their own evil inclinations and sinful behaviors. This teaching exposes the uselessness of our own excuse making and dismisses our claims that other people and things are to blame for our shortcomings and failures. However, Jesus does not merely condemn; He also sets free. Through His promises we are liberated from sin and reconciled to God the Father.

By this teaching Jesus declares (cleans and makes) all food good. He directs His words to the condition of the heart. Instead of doing more to be good we need a new heart. To lord over another because of their piety is hypocrisy. “I desire mercy not sacrifice,” meaning not empty sacrifice.    

Ritually impure food does not touch the heart and so cannot contaminate. All food is clean. Jesus' teaching will affect the future Christian mission. Simply put, Gentile will not need to observe Jewish dietary laws. The question of food laws caused much controversy in the 1st Century Church. See Acts 15:1-1-35; Romans 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13

A Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2

Sources:

1. Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

2. Collect for aid against temptation and for spiritual renewal, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis