Matthew 15:1-28: Jesus and Controversy
Attention
1. Have you ever been offended by a preacher or teacher in
the course of a sermon or Bible class?
a. Have you been offended
because they were too specific in rebuking error or callous in characterizing
it?
b. Have you ever thought we
should not be controversial in our teaching lest we run away potential converts?
2. Man has a way of outthinking God’s plan; we “improve”
it, helping God out just as Sarah and Rebekah did.
a. Have we become accustomed to
soft preaching that is more politically correct than Biblically correct?
b. Would we really accept the
preaching of Jesus and the apostles, or do we imagine it different than it was?
[Proposition] Jesus was not afraid to be controversial
in support of the truth, and neither should we be.
I.
Jesus Confronted by the Pharisees: The Hypocrisy of Human Tradition
(1-11)
A.
Truth versus Tradition
1.
Certain Pharisees and scribes came to Galilee from Jerusalem and
criticized Jesus.
a)
They challenged His disregard of the tradition to wash one’s hands before
eating.
b)
This was a ceremonial practice, not a hygienic one; Mark gives more
detail. Mk. 7:3-4
2.
The critics acknowledged it was tradition not Torah, but it was a
distinction without a difference.
a)
The Pharisees then, as orthodox Jews now, gave the weight of law to
rabbinical traditions.
b)
Though the penalty for breaking rabbinic law was less severe, it was
still considered wrong.
3.
The Pharisees’ criticism began with a fundamental error in understanding
divine authority.
a)
There error was/is not unlike that in many religious groups today. (E.g.
Catholicism)
b)
Can manmade religious traditions rise to the level of divine law? Is
there a difference?
4.
In framing His response, Jesus made clear the distinction between man’s
ordinances and God’s.
a)
The Pharisees were guilty of two errors in their observance of religious
traditions.
(1)
They
equated
their traditions with divine law. 9
(2)
They
substituted their traditions for divine law. 3-6
b)
The Pharisees bound their traditions on others and honored them above
God’s commands.
B.
Jesus Challenged Human Traditions
1.
The premise of the Pharisees’ tradition was false; dirt doesn’t defile
man, sin does. 10-11
a)
The Lord indicted the Pharisees for their disregard of divine ordinances.
(3-6)
b)
The Lord rebuked the Pharisees for their superficial piety and human
teachings. (7-9)
2.
Jesus’ intent was not to stop hand washing; it was to correct abusive
misunderstandings of truth.
a)
Human traditions are not inherently wrong; Jesus acknowledged some. (E.g.
Jn. 10:22-23)
b)
But these manmade practices must not conflict, compare, or commute God’s
laws.
3.
Jesus was not personally insulting, but you can imagine how offensive His
words were.
a)
He accused them of disregarding God’s law and of neglecting their own
parents.
b)
He called them hypocrites and quoted Isaiah in characterizing
their vain religion.
4.
The Savior’s response to the false teachings of the Pharisees is not
uncommon in scripture.
a)
The prophets were often controversial and offensive in confronting sin.
Am. 4:1; Mal. 2:3
b)
The apostles were likewise controversial in their later preaching. Ac.
13:9-10; Ga. 2:3-4
5.
How would we feel about such teaching being done in our pulpit or by our
brethren today?
a)
This is not to justify angry insults or untrue characterizations; nor is
our insight inspired.
b)
But would we tolerate the legitimate, forceful rebuke of hypocrisy, false
teaching, and sin?
II.
Jesus Confronted by the Disciples: The Politics of False Religion (12-20)
A.
Principle versus Politics
1.
The disciples came to Jesus; was He aware of the effects of His response
to the Pharisees?
a)
The Lord’s aim was not to cause them offense but to highlight their
offenses.
b)
Jesus did not try to hurt feelings or to protect them; His goal was to
save souls.
2.
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question was no less controversial than
what He said before.
a)
The Pharisees’ religion was not of God; therefore, it would be uprooted.
13
b)
The Pharisees were blind teachers; their teaching would lead others into
the ditch. 14
3.
What is the issue? The issue is not how the Pharisees feel; it is
what the Pharisees are teaching.
a)
Only truth can save; the Pharisees’ error led men to disobey God’s law;
it encouraged sin.
b)
Jesus was more concerned about saving souls than sparing feelings; do we
feel the same?
4.
The underlying error of the hand washing doctrine put emphasis in the
wrong place. 15-20
a)
Men were encouraged to value the external above the internal, a sure path
to hypocrisy.
b)
Men could pride themselves on their outer piety, but the sin of their
souls remained.
B.
Jesus Challenged Human Religions
1.
How should we view and comment on religious groups and teachings at
variance with the Bible?
a)
Nothing in this chapter excludes our responsibility to be humble and
speak the truth in love.
b)
But humility and love do not change the fact that God’s truth must be
spoken!
2.
Oftentimes, brethren are reluctant to hear specific, critical teaching of
religious error today.
a)
Simply teach what is true; don’t speak about other churches;
is that what Jesus did?
b)
Preaching what is true is not necessarily the same as preaching the
truth; truth offends.
3.
Most of time, perhaps, we can simply teach the Bible without explicitly
addressing errors.
a)
But there are times when false teaching must be identified and dealt with
decisively.
b)
What obligates us to be politely supportive of false teaching that will
send men to Hell?
c)
Even humble, loving preaching will offend those who love error rather
than God’s truth.
4.
One great fear many seem to have is discouraging or deterring potential
prospects.
a)
We ought never to place a stumbling block in another’s path by our
personal demeanor.
b)
But truth will offend; souls aren’t saved by a diluted message; the word
must cut the heart.
III.
Jesus Confronted by a Gentile: The Test of Genuine Faith (21-28)
A.
Conviction versus Convenience
1.
This last section is complementary to the first; it may be Jesus’ most
controversial encounter.
a)
How would you have reacted if treated this way by Jesus? Ignored, brushed
aside, insulted?
b)
Would any of us have persisted, or would we have left in a huff, angry at
being mistreated?
2.
If this woman had walked away, she would have missed being blessed by
God.
a)
Jesus wasn’t without compassion; He dealt with many outcasts: lepers,
Samaritans, Gentiles.
b)
Why does He react this way to this woman’s plea? Why doesn’t He more
quickly respond?
3.
Jesus frequently tested the faith and determination of those who sought
Him.
a)
He challenged disciples whether they truly were ready to follow. Lk.
9:59-62; 14:25-35
b)
Jesus is challenging this woman; He is testing her; how will she respond
to difficulty?
4.
Seeking the Lord must be a matter of conviction, not convenience.
a)
If her daughter had any other hope, why would she come to Jesus? He was
the only hope.
b)
The disciples may have lacked compassion, but the Savior didn’t; He
answered proven faith.
B.
Jesus Challenged Human Appeals
1.
How earnestly, desperately, determinedly are we seeking the Lord?
a)
Are we absolutely convinced that He is our only hope, that we cannot save
ourselves? 5:3
b)
Are we persistent in seeking His blessings, though our cries seem
to be unheard? Lk. 18:1-8
2.
Righteous men persevere in seeking God despite difficulty; unrighteous
men quit.
a)
Job said, “Though He slay Me, yet will I trust
Him” (13:15).
b)
Do we see value and purpose in seeking God even if it seems He doesn’t
care? La. 3:24-33
3.
Like Jacob when he wrestled with the Lord, we need to hold tight to God
and refuse to let go.
a)
We need to persist in humbly petitioning the Lord for what our souls
require.
b)
We have no other hope; there is nowhere else to go; He alone can save us.
4.
What do our actions say about the quality of our faith? This woman’s
faith was great. Is ours?
Action
1. How does our view of preaching and teaching compare to
that delivered by Jesus?
2. Do we fear being controversial, or do we fear neglecting
to speak the truth and causing souls to be lost?