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.
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] -27 August, 2021
[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
No comments:
Post a Comment