Today we invite you to read through this parable 3 times — aloud, if possible. Use the questions at the end to reflect on the passage:

Matthew 15:10-20
10 Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12 Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” 15 But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16 Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

 

  1. What does this parable teach me about God?
  2. What does this parable teach me about Humans?
  3. How can I carry the message of this parable into my day?
  4. Considering this parable, how can I live and love like Jesus today?

 

Closing Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for always guiding me and leading me through my Christian walk. Continue to draw my heart closer to you. Help me to listen and understand your teachings. Keep me focused on that which is important to you. May all who encounter my words and actions today experience your love in a fresh way. Amen.