Mark 7 The scribes and Pharisees complained to Jesus because the disciples did not follow "tradition".. washing their hands, etc.    The "tradition of the elders" had become more  important to them than the commandments of God, Jesus said in return.  "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."  For example, they failed to enforce the commandment of honoring their fathers and mothers, in order to keep what they wanted... calling it God's.  Their hearts were "far away" from God. They were concerned with washed hands.. but failed to see the cleansing needed in their hearts. 

Jesus took this time to call the multitude together again.. to teach this important truth. What we eat isn't what makes us sinful.. it is what is in our hearts already that makes us sin.. "For within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." 

Jeremiah wrote," The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (17:9)  But, God said, "I, the Lord search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds."  The scribes and Pharisees spent so much time and energy on their own traditions that they neglected this essential truth.  Jeremiah points to the only One who can change the heart.. " O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake Thee will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord. Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved. For Thou art my praise." ( v13-14) 

What is more needed than clean hands?  A clean heart! How can we have a clean heart?  Only by the cleansing that the blood of Jesus provides. Heal me Lord and I will be healed!  Save me and I will be saved!  It's all of Jesus.  Hallelujah ! What a Savior! 

Father in heaven, our Holy God, how else can we come before You, who sees our hearts.. except by the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for our sins.. that we might gain forgiveness of sins.. the cleansing from all unrighteousness. Thank You for the sacrifice of the Beloved Son that we might be healed and saved.  Like the woman in Mark 7.. we ask for the crumbs.. and You pour out Your love!  We come deaf and dumb.. and You have opened our ears and our mouths.. to bring You praise. You are good.. You are ready to forgive.. You are abundant in lovingkindness! We worship You alone, Great God and King. Fill us continually with Your Spirit that we might walk in Truth and grace... to the glory of our Lord Jesus forevermore. Amen.