Tradition vs. Commandment
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. You have let go of the commandment of God and are holding on to the tradition of men (Mark 7:8).

True Defilement
Jesus teaches that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery (Mark 7:21).

Heart Condition
The focus is on the heart's condition rather than external rituals. Jesus emphasizes that true purity is a matter of the heart.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
The chapter also includes the story of the Syrophoenician woman, highlighting that faith, not ethnicity or tradition, grants access to God's grace.Examine Traditions
Reflect on personal and church traditions. Are they aligned with Scripture, or have they become barriers to genuine faith?

Guard Your Heart
Regularly assess the condition of your heart. Are there attitudes or thoughts that need to be surrendered to God?

Embrace Inclusivity
Recognize that the Gospel is for all people. Are there ways you can be more inclusive in sharing your faith?

Prioritize God's Word
Make a conscious effort to prioritize God's commandments over human traditions in your daily life.1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Mark 7. He is depicted as a teacher and healer, engaging with the Pharisees and the crowd, and performing miracles. In this chapter, He addresses issues of tradition versus God's commandments and performs a healing miracle for a Gentile woman's daughter.

2. Pharisees
The Pharisees are a group of Jewish religious leaders who confront Jesus about His disciples not following the traditional ceremonial washing of hands. They are often depicted as strict adherents to Jewish law and tradition.

3. Scribes
The scribes, often associated with the Pharisees, are experts in Jewish law. They join the Pharisees in questioning Jesus about His disciples' practices.

4. Disciples
The disciples are followers of Jesus who are present during His teachings and interactions with the Pharisees. They are questioned by Jesus about their understanding of His teachings on what defiles a person.

5. Crowd
The crowd refers to the general populace who gather around Jesus to hear His teachings. Jesus addresses them directly to explain what truly defiles a person.

6. Syrophoenician Woman
A Gentile woman of Syrophoenician origin who approaches Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her faith is highlighted when she responds to Jesus' initial reluctance with humility and persistence.

7. Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman
The daughter is afflicted by an unclean spirit and is healed by Jesus at the request of her mother. Her healing demonstrates Jesus' power and willingness to extend His ministry beyond the Jewish people.

8. Deaf and Mute Man
A man brought to Jesus in the region of Decapolis who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus heals him, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority.1. Gennesaret
Mark 7:1 does not explicitly mention Gennesaret, but the preceding context in Mark 6:53 indicates that Jesus and His disciples were in the region of Gennesaret. This area is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and was known for its fertile land. The Greek root for Gennesaret is "Γεννησαρέτ" (Gennesaret), which refers to this specific region.

2. Tyre
In Mark 7:24, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre. Tyre was a significant Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, north of Galilee. It was known for its commerce and wealth. The Greek name for Tyre is "Τύρος" (Tyros), reflecting its historical and geographical importance.

3. Sidon
Mark 7:31 mentions that Jesus went through Sidon. Sidon, like Tyre, was a prominent Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast. It is located further north of Tyre and was known for its ancient trade and seafaring activities. The Greek name for Sidon is "Σιδών" (Sidon).

4. Decapolis
Also in Mark 7:31, Jesus travels through the region of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in Judea and Syria. The name "Decapolis" comes from the Greek "Δεκάπολις," meaning "ten cities," highlighting its composition of a league of cities.1. Pharisees and Scribes Question Jesus (Mark 7:1-5)
The Pharisees and some scribes from Jerusalem gather around Jesus and notice that some of His disciples eat with "defiled" hands, meaning they did not perform the traditional ceremonial washing. This practice is rooted in the Jewish tradition of ritual purity.

2. Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees (Mark 7:6-13)
Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Mark 7:6). He criticizes them for holding to human traditions over God's commandments, specifically mentioning the tradition of Corban, which allowed people to neglect their parents under the guise of dedicating resources to God.

3. Teaching about True Defilement (Mark 7:14-23)
Jesus calls the crowd to Him and explains that nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them, but rather what comes out of a person defiles them. He elaborates privately to His disciples, listing evil thoughts and actions that come from the heart, such as "sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery" (Mark 7:21).

4. The Faith of a Gentile Woman (Mark 7:24-30)
Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Syrophoenician woman begs Him to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus initially responds with a metaphor about children and dogs, but the woman’s faith and humility lead Him to heal her daughter, demonstrating the inclusivity of His ministry.

5. Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37)
Jesus returns to the region of the Decapolis, where people bring Him a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus takes the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, and says, "Ephphatha," meaning "Be opened" (Mark 7:34). The man is healed, and the people are astonished, proclaiming, "He has done all things well" (Mark 7:37).Matthew 15:1-20
A parallel account of Jesus' teaching on tradition and defilement.

Isaiah 29:13
These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Acts 10:34-35
Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him. For Discernment
Pray for wisdom to discern between God's commandments and human traditions.
For Purity of Heart
Ask God to purify your heart and help you focus on internal transformation.
For Inclusivity
Pray for a heart that embraces all people and seeks to share the Gospel with everyone.
For Obedience
Seek God's help in prioritizing His Word over any human tradition or expectation.

As we study Mark 7, may we be challenged to align our lives more closely with God's Word, ensuring that our faith is genuine and our hearts are pure before Him.

1. What does this chapter reveal about the dangers of valuing tradition over God's commandments?

2. How does Jesus redefine defilement and purity in this chapter?

3. How does the encounter with the Syrophoenician woman reveal Jesus' perspective on faith and ethnicity?

4. What lessons can you learn from the faith of the Gentile woman?

5. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the deaf and mute man in such a unique way?

6. What does the crowd's response to Jesus' healing miracle reveal about their understanding of Him?

7. How can you apply Jesus' teaching about inner defilement in your life?

8. How does the woman's persistent faith inspire you in your faith journey?

9. How do you reconcile the challenging response Jesus initially gives to the Syrophoenician woman with His character?

10. In what ways can you challenge your traditions and practices against God's Word?

11. How can the Pharisees' attitudes serve as a warning for us today?

12. How does this chapter's portrayal of Jesus inspire you?

13. How would you respond to someone accusing you of disregarding traditions?

14. How can you ensure that your heart is clean before God?

15. What barriers, if any, do you believe can hinder God's healing and miracles in your life?

16. How can you demonstrate faith like the Syrophoenician woman in your daily life?

17. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of who can receive God's blessings?

18. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is based on God's commandments rather than human traditions?

19. How does understanding that impurity comes from within impact your actions and thoughts?

20. How can you promote and encourage faith in your community, as seen in the faith of the Gentile woman?