Matthew 15

[Brotherly Spirit]

It starts with the Pharisees and Scribes questioning Jesus about his disciples. The disagreement is about the traditions they're failing to keep; here it's washing their hands before they eat. His response to them was them failing to keep the commandments. Noting that the traditions of elders aren't the same as the commandments of God; Jesus furthers this with an example about how both can conflict. (Matthew 15:4-6)

This lays the foundation for the chapter, what it means to honor God. It is his word to us in our hearts, keeping his commandments meaningfully or else it's left unfulfilled. (Matthew 15:5)There's a purpose beyond what's expected of ourselves to him, it's not a sacrifice to gain favor; the gift is from him to us as a blessing. So we're to be thankful for everything from him, and willingly do the same for others; having compassion and giving it. (Matthew 15:32, Matthew 15:35:36)

Y'all agree the way to honor God is through Christ's teachings to his disciples (Matthew 15:36); this fulfills the commandments of God? (Matthew 15:37)

Also all are welcome to have their say about the chapter, feel free to post anything you've thought or thinking about the chapter; including other related scriptures. No better way to learn than in fellowship.

 

[com7fy8]

It starts with the Pharisees and Scribes questioning Jesus about his disciples. The disagreement is about the traditions they're failing to keep; here it's washing their hands before they eat. His response to them was them failing to keep the commandments.

There's a purpose beyond

With these things you say, I see that the religious people had their rules, but their rules did not have them keeping God's commandments.

And their rules did not have God's purpose beyond their practices!!

In doing things we understand God wants, we need to stay with seeking Him for Himself and seeking how He corrects our nature so we become more like Christ. So, we need to keep this while ministering and helping and serving.

I think of Martha and Mary . . . how Mary "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word" while Martha was busily attending to chores, then interfering with Jesus and Mary in order to try to get Jesus to tell Mary to help Martha. But Jesus said Mary was the wise person who chose what really mattered > Luke 10:38-42.

 

[Brotherly Spirit]

With these things you say, I see that the religious people had their rules, but their rules did not have them keeping God's commandments.

And their rules did not have God's purpose beyond their practices!!

In doing things we understand God wants, we need to stay with seeking Him for Himself and seeking how He corrects our nature so we become more like Christ. So, we need to keep this while ministering and helping and serving.

I think of Martha and Mary . . . how Mary "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word" while Martha was busily attending to chores, then interfering with Jesus and Mary in order to try to get Jesus to tell Mary to help Martha. But Jesus said Mary was the wise person who chose what really mattered > Luke 10:38-42.

Interesting relation about the Sisters and Jesus. While he was there Martha was busy, not sure it's only chores as usual or preparing things such as food for Jesus. Whether that makes a difference, or if it's the latter then the problem is her concern about how he's being served and criticism her for it; worse she came to him for that reason. The former would be her worrying to prepare everything as she supposedly and usually does, but doesn't come to the Lord when he's there and rest at his feet to be with him; serving him by listening.

 

[com7fy8]

While he was there Martha was busy, not sure it's only chores as usual or preparing things such as food for Jesus.

while Martha was busily attending to chores,

But I'm pretty sure she was making preparations for serving. So, not really was she doing usual chores. So, why I said chores, I don't know; I apologize.

the problem is her concern about how he's being served and criticism her for it;

I recall Jesus saying she was troubled about many things. Possibly, He was mainly concerned for her own good, that He did not want her to be troubled.

"'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus wanted her to serve Him with rest for her soul, I would say. And doing things in His rest for our souls would be included in doing His commandments and honoring Him!

 

[Brotherly Spirit]

But I'm pretty sure she was making preparations for serving. So, not really was she doing usual chores. So, why I said chores, I don't know; I apologize.


I recall Jesus saying she was troubled about many things. Possibly, He was mainly concerned for her own good, that He did not want her to be troubled.

"'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus wanted her to serve Him with rest for her soul, I would say. And doing things in His rest for our souls would be included in doing His commandments and honoring Him!

Not necessary, your posts were informative and fruitful for thought. Regardless it's accurate how easy it's too get worried about things, feeling the need to do everything. What's worse is when you have time to rest those things can continue burdening you. Not wanting to accept for a moment or period of your day or life, time when you just welcome the rest and peace; letting the Lord come and be with you.