Mark 7

for some reason, i really like mark 7. i'd encourage you to read it sometime. basically, the first part of the chapter is Jesus talking with the pharisees about how they claim to be so spiritual when they fail to fulfill the commandments. they dishonor their parents by claiming they gave their gifts to God instead, and Jesus calls them on it. the bottom line of this section is that it's not what we take in, or eat, that pollutes our lives, it's what comes out of us. the disciples don't get what He's saying, so He lays it out plain for them. by saying that what we eat doesn't contaminate us or our hearts, He's making it clear that all foods are fit to eat. this is contrary to jewish law because they had many dietary restrictions. Jesus is saying that food shouldn't be our main source of arguments. it shouldn't be what trips us up, keeps us repentant before God, and causes resentment amongst our brothers and sisters. it shouldn't be our main concern. rather, we should be paying the acutest attention to what is coming OUT of our mouths, for that is what contaminates our hearts and lives. in "the message," verses 20-23 read like this, [Jesus speaking] "It's what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness - all these are vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution."

the rest of the chapter is about Jesus healing two people: a Greek woman's demon-posessed daughter, and a man who was deaf and mute. what particularly struck me was the story about the woman. she comes to Jesus and begs Him to heal her daughter, and this is His reply (verse 27, NIV): "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." - WOW! sounds pretty harsh, Jesus....calling her a dog because she's a gentile.... but this woman was bold, and replied, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Jesus was impressed with her reply and told her to go - "the demon has left your daughter." and when the woman returned home, that's exactly what she found. i always thought that was a rather harsh way to deal with a woman who wanted healing for her daughter, but Jesus never sinned. period. and i guess perhaps he knew what her reply would be. maybe she needed to step out in boldness and faith, and his curt response gave her that opportunity when i'd imagine many others would be offended, give up, and turn away.... i don't know.... just thoughts to think about. :-)