Matt. 15:1-20 – Man has always had a tendency to create traditions in religion to make things easier for himself. The Pharisees and scribes had created numerous traditions which they had elevated to the status of God’s commands. A true disciple will know the difference between truth and tradition and will know the difference because of their personal study in the Word. Be a follower of Jesus, not a follower of men.
Matt. 15:21-28 – Jesus rarely complimented a person’s faith, so it is interesting to me that two of the individuals whose faith He did praise were Gentiles (this Syrophoenician woman and the centurion of Galilee, Matt. 8:5-13). This teaches me not to underestimate the power of the gospel in the hearts of unbelievers. The Syrophoenician woman and the centurion had heard of Jesus’ power and they believed that power much more than the Jews of Jesus’ own childhood community (Mark 6:1-6).
Matt. 15:32-39 – Sometimes as disciples we just don’t get it! (This happens to me so many times.) Our preconceived notions limit the power of God. Pray that we will have “eyes to see” as we follow the Master (Matt. 16:5-12).