The Pharisees want to know why the disciples don’t follow the teaching of the elders. Jesus says they don’t because it’s not the doctrine of God.

He points out how they put man’s teaching above God’s law. The example He gives is that instead of taking care of their parents, they say that the money is for God.

God doesn’t need your money or your sacrifice. He wants a living sacrifice. He wants your life given over so that He can love others through you.

He doesn’t need you donating money. He needs you loving others. That can look like a donation, but the heart behind it needs to be loving others. It’s not about the money.

And it’s not about the washing or the food, the rituals of religion. It’s about a clean and pure heart before God.

Jesus says what comes out defiles you. Our actions and words show our hearts. We are condemned by the things we say and do, showing the evil in our hearts.

The woman with a demonized daughter shows her heart of faith, love, humility, and perseverance. She’s rewarded for it.

One of the commands of Jesus was not to tell anyone about the miracles they received. They didn’t obey. They did the opposite.

Why wouldn’t Jesus want them to spread the news? Jesus said that He was sent to preach. His work got harder the more people sought Him for other things. He never let that stop Him from ministering to those who came to Him. His personal needs were never a consideration. And He certainly didn’t fail to complete the job He was sent to do.

We, however, are to meant to proclaim the good news and to declare the works of the Lord. We should tell our testimony of how God changed our lives.