Confrontation with Tradition
Jesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matthew 15:3).

True Defilement
Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth, not what goes in, defiles a person. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man (Matthew 15:18).

Faith of the Canaanite Woman
A Canaanite woman demonstrates great faith, leading to her daughter's healing. O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire (Matthew 15:28).

Miraculous Provision
Jesus feeds four thousand men, besides women and children, with seven loaves and a few small fish, showcasing His compassion and divine provision (Matthew 15:32-38).Evaluate Traditions
Regularly assess whether your traditions align with biblical teachings or if they have become mere rituals.

Guard Your Heart
Focus on cultivating a pure heart, as it is the source of true defilement or purity.

Exercise Faith
Approach God with the bold faith of the Canaanite woman, trusting in His power and mercy.

Rely on God's Provision
Trust in God's ability to provide for your needs, even when resources seem scarce.1. Jesus
The central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as teaching and performing miracles. He addresses the Pharisees and scribes, heals the Canaanite woman's daughter, and feeds the four thousand.

2. Pharisees and Scribes
These religious leaders come from Jerusalem to question Jesus about His disciples not following the tradition of the elders, specifically regarding ceremonial handwashing (Matthew 15:1-2). The Greek term for Pharisees is "Φαρισαῖοι" (Pharisaioi), indicating a sect known for strict adherence to Jewish law.

3. Disciples
Jesus' followers who are present throughout the chapter. They question Jesus about His teachings and assist in the feeding of the four thousand (Matthew 15:12, 33-36).

4. Canaanite Woman
A Gentile woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who approaches Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her faith is commended by Jesus, and her daughter is healed (Matthew 15:22-28). The term "Canaanite" (Χαναναία, Chananaia) reflects her non-Jewish, pagan background.

5. Crowds
Large groups of people who follow Jesus, bringing the sick to be healed and later being fed by Him in the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 15:30-38).1. Gennesaret
In Matthew 14:34, just before the events of Matthew 15, Jesus and His disciples land at Gennesaret after crossing the Sea of Galilee. This sets the geographical context for the beginning of Matthew 15. Gennesaret is a fertile plain located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name "Gennesaret" is derived from the Hebrew "Kinneret," which refers to the harp-like shape of the lake.

2. Tyre and Sidon
In Matthew 15:21, it is mentioned that "Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon." These are ancient Phoenician cities located along the Mediterranean coast, north of Israel. Tyre and Sidon were known for their wealth and commerce. The mention of these cities highlights Jesus' movement into Gentile territory, which is significant in the context of His interaction with the Canaanite woman.

3. Sea of Galilee
While not explicitly named in Matthew 15, the Sea of Galilee is the body of water that Jesus crosses to return to the region of Gennesaret. The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in Israel, known for its role in Jesus' ministry. The Greek term "Thalassa" is used in the New Testament to refer to the sea, emphasizing its importance as a geographical and cultural landmark.1. Pharisees and Scribes Question Jesus (Matthew 15:1-2)
The Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem approach Jesus, questioning why His disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating. This reflects the Jewish oral traditions that were highly regarded by the religious leaders.

2. Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees (Matthew 15:3-9)
Jesus responds by criticizing the Pharisees for breaking God's commandments for the sake of their traditions. He cites Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Matthew 15:8), highlighting the hypocrisy of valuing human traditions over divine commandments.

3. Teaching on What Defiles a Person (Matthew 15:10-11)
Jesus calls the crowd and teaches that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, as it reflects the heart. This challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws and emphasizes inner purity.

4. Disciples Question Jesus (Matthew 15:12-14)
The disciples inform Jesus that the Pharisees were offended by His teaching. Jesus responds by saying that every plant not planted by His heavenly Father will be uprooted, and He calls the Pharisees "blind guides."

5. Parable Explained (Matthew 15:15-20)
Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable, and Jesus clarifies that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart and defiles a person. He lists evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and other sins as what truly defiles, not unwashed hands.

6. Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman pleads for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initially being silent and stating His mission to Israel, Jesus commends her great faith and grants her request, healing her daughter.

7. Healing of Many (Matthew 15:29-31)
Jesus moves to the Sea of Galilee, where He heals many people, including the lame, blind, and mute. The crowd marvels and glorifies the God of Israel, recognizing the divine power at work through Jesus.

8. Feeding of the Four Thousand (Matthew 15:32-39)
Jesus expresses compassion for the crowd that has been with Him for three days without food. With seven loaves and a few small fish, He miraculously feeds four thousand men, besides women and children, and collects seven baskets of leftovers. This event underscores Jesus' provision and care for both physical and spiritual needs. Tradition vs. Commandment
Mark 7:8-9, where Jesus similarly addresses the issue of human traditions.

Heart and Speech
Proverbs 4:23, which emphasizes guarding the heart as the wellspring of life.

Faith and Healing
Hebrews 11:6, highlighting the necessity of faith to please God.

God's Provision
Philippians 4:19, affirming that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Discernment
Pray for wisdom to discern between human traditions and God's commandments.
Purity of Heart
Ask God to purify your heart and help you speak words that honor Him.
Increased Faith
Seek God's help in growing your faith, especially in challenging situations.
Trust in Provision
Thank God for His provision and ask for continued trust in His ability to meet your needs.

As we reflect on Matthew 15, may we be inspired to align our lives more closely with God's Word, trusting in His wisdom, power, and provision.

1. How does Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees challenge your understanding of tradition and commandments?

2. What does the story of the Canaanite woman teach you about persistence and faith?

3. How does Jesus' miracle of feeding the four thousand resonate with your understanding of God's provision?

4. In what ways can you identify with the Canaanite woman in her desperation and faith?

5. How does Jesus' explanation of true defilement challenge your understanding of sin and purity?

6. Why do you think Jesus initially did not respond to the Canaanite woman's plea?

7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you value God's commandments above human traditions?

8. How does Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman shape your understanding of His character?

9. What can you learn from the crowd's response to Jesus' healings and miracles?

10. How can Jesus' compassion towards the multitude inspire you to show compassion in your community?

11. How do the Pharisees' accusation and Jesus' response affect your understanding of hypocrisy in religious practice?

12. How does the Canaanite woman's faith challenge or encourage your personal faith journey?

13. How can the story of Jesus feeding the multitude inspire you in times of scarcity or need?

14. How does this chapter shape your understanding of Jesus' mission and authority?

15. How can you apply the lesson of true defilement in your day-to-day life?

16. What does the faith of the Canaanite woman teach about the inclusiveness of God's grace?

17. How does the crowd's praise after witnessing Jesus' miracles challenge your response to God's work in your life?

18. Why is it important to understand the difference between human tradition and God's commandments as seen in this chapter?

19. In what areas of your life do you need to show faith like the Canaanite woman?

20. How can you be a conduit of Jesus' compassion in your interactions with others?