Matthew Chapter 15 – Commentary and Explanation Bible Study
Matthew Chapter 15 – Commentary and Explanation Bible Study
When we read Matthew chapter 15, we step into one of those moments where Jesus speaks directly against traditions that humans made bigger than God’s actual commandments. This chapter is full of confrontation, teaching, miracles, and the revealing of what really matters most to God. Let’s walk together slowly, verse by verse, thought by thought, and see how this chapter speaks not only to the people back then, but also to us today in our own struggles, our churches, our hearts.
Verses 1–2: The Pharisees Question Jesus
“Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.”
The Pharisees, once again, they come looking for trouble. They are not honestly curious, they are trying to catch Jesus and His disciples doing something “wrong.” But notice, it wasn’t God’s law they accused them of breaking—it was the tradition of the elders. The handwashing wasn’t about hygiene like we think today, it was a ritual, a ceremony to prove outward cleanliness.
This already sets the stage for one of the main themes of this chapter: what is man-made tradition vs. what is God’s commandment? The Pharisees elevated traditions until they became more important than obedience to God Himself.
And it makes me pause here. How often do we in modern times do the same? Churches sometimes argue over dress codes, music styles, or small rituals, and sometimes forget the weightier matters like mercy, justice, humility.
Verses 3–6: Jesus Responds with Boldness
“But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? … Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”
This is powerful. Jesus doesn’t just defend His disciples, He flips the accusation back on the Pharisees. They accused the disciples of ignoring tradition, but Jesus accuses them of ignoring God’s command. And His example is striking: the tradition that allowed people to avoid supporting their parents by claiming their possessions were “a gift to God.”
It shows us how human religion, if we are not careful, becomes a loophole factory—ways to look holy while excusing selfishness.
And let’s be honest, it still happens. People donate to religious institutions but neglect helping their own family. Or some will say long prayers, but hold bitterness in the heart. That’s the spirit Jesus is cutting through.
Verses 7–9: Hypocrisy Exposed
“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
Here, Jesus quotes Isaiah. God had already spoken about empty religion. Lips move, songs are sung, prayers are made, but the heart is elsewhere.
This verse makes me uncomfortable, but in a good way. Because if we only honor God outwardly, without surrendering inwardly, we fall into the same category. Worship becomes vain when the heart is not near.
It also reminds me, worship is not about correct rituals. It’s about spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Verses 10–11: The True Defilement
“And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
Now Jesus turns from Pharisees to the crowd, teaching them directly. What defiles us is not food, not ritual, not external washing—it’s the words, the actions, the overflow of the heart.
This was radical. For centuries, Jewish identity was tied to dietary laws and external cleanliness. Jesus cuts deeper and shows the spiritual reality behind it: sin flows from the inside.
And honestly, how true this is. It is not what enters me, but what comes out—anger, lies, slander, gossip—that shows the condition of my heart.
Verses 12–14: Offending the Pharisees
“Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?”
Of course they were offended. Jesus dismantled their entire religious pride. But look at His answer: “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind.”
What a response! Jesus wasn’t scared to offend. Truth will sometimes hurt. And if people reject it, they prove themselves blind guides.
I think sometimes we, as modern Christians, fear offending too much. Yes, we should speak with grace, but we must also remember—Jesus Himself offended people because He told the truth plainly.
Verses 15–20: Explanation to the Disciples
Peter, as usual, asks for clarification. And Jesus explains: whatever goes in the stomach, passes out. But the things from the heart—evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies—these are what truly defile.
Notice how Jesus lists both inward thoughts and outward actions. Evil doesn’t start in the act, it starts in the heart. The sin of murder begins as anger. Adultery begins as lust. Theft begins as greed.
This connects perfectly to Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said the same.
Verses 21–28: The Canaanite Woman’s Faith
Now the story shifts. Jesus goes to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman comes, begging for her daughter to be healed. At first, Jesus is silent. Then He says, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then He says, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to dogs.”
These words are hard to read. But the woman persists: “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” And Jesus praises her great faith, granting her request.
Why this strange interaction? Many think Jesus was testing her faith, drawing it out publicly as an example. He also might be showing His disciples that faith is not limited by nationality or tradition. A Gentile woman, an outsider, shows more faith than the Pharisees ever did.
This story humbles me. Sometimes we think we must qualify for God’s blessing. But here’s a woman who had nothing to offer except persistence and faith. And that was enough.
Verses 29–31: Multitudes Healed
Jesus moves on, healing the lame, blind, mute, maimed. The crowds marvel. They glorify the God of Israel.
Notice again: healing was not limited by category. The kingdom of God brings wholeness in every area.
And today we also need to remember, God’s healing is not only physical. He heals broken hearts, broken minds, broken families.
Verses 32–39: Feeding the Four Thousand
Finally, another miracle similar to Matthew 14, but distinct. This time it is four thousand men, plus women and children. Seven loaves and a few fishes feed them all, with seven baskets left over.
Some ask, why two separate feeding miracles? Perhaps Jesus wanted to show it wasn’t a one-time trick. He is the bread of life, always enough, always more than enough. The numbers also differ—twelve baskets before, seven here. Some see symbolism (twelve for Israel, seven for completion including Gentiles).
But the main point: Jesus has compassion. He sees the hungry crowd and provides. That is who He is.
Reflections and Lessons for Us
Now let’s step back and reflect on what this chapter teaches us today.
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Tradition vs. Commandment
Jesus clearly warns us not to elevate human traditions above God’s word. We need to check our churches, our lives—are we more loyal to tradition than to truth? -
The Heart Matters Most
It’s not external rituals but internal purity that God seeks. What comes from the heart reveals our true state. -
Faith Can Come from Anywhere
The Canaanite woman shows that even outsiders, rejected by society, can demonstrate great faith. No one is beyond God’s reach. -
Jesus Provides Compassionately
Whether healing or feeding, Jesus acts with compassion. He sees needs and meets them abundantly.
Conclusion
Matthew 15 is a chapter full of challenges. It challenges religious pride. It challenges us to examine our hearts. It challenges us to live by faith like the Canaanite woman. And it reassures us with the compassion of Christ.
May we never be satisfied with outward religion only. May we always bring our hearts closer to Him. And may we, like that woman, persist in faith, even when it seems impossible.
