What Did Jesus Say about Purity? Bible Lesson from Matthew

This Matthew Bible lesson reminds us that true purity is not about outward appearances or traditions. Instead, it’s about the purity of the heart—what flows from our words and actions. In Matthew 15:1-20, Jesus challenges the Pharisees and teaches us what really makes a person clean before God.

Tradition vs. Purity of the Heart

“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” – Matthew 15:11 NASB

The Pharisees were upset with Jesus’ disciples because they didn’t follow the tradition of washing their hands before eating. But Jesus pointed out something greater:

God’s commandments matter more than man-made traditions.

He reminded them of the command to honor father and mother. Yet, the Pharisees created loopholes to avoid responsibility—all while claiming to serve God. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy, showing that purity is not about ritual but about the condition of the heart.

Yes, Rules Matter—But Not Above Love

We need laws and order. Without them, society would collapse into chaos. Even in Jesus’ time, traditions helped structure daily life. But the Pharisees went too far, adding layers of human rules and treating them as divine law.

Jesus cut through the noise, bringing His followers back to the heart of the matter—loving God and loving people. He explained again in Matthew 22:36-40 that these two commandments form the foundation of all others.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39

Examples of Purity in the Bible

• Joseph resisted temptation in Egypt and remained faithful to God.
• Daniel stayed pure in Babylon by refusing to compromise his faith.
• Jesus Himself, who perfectly obeyed God and modeled a pure heart in both words and deeds.

These examples show that purity of the heart is not about avoiding certain foods or rituals—it’s about living with these three challenges:

1. integrity,
2. love,
3. and obedience to God.

Applying This Matthew Bible Lesson Today

We can fall into the same trap as the Pharisees—doing things “for God” while neglecting the people around us. Giving to the church is good, but not if it means ignoring our parents, neighbors, or those in need.

As Christians, we are called to serve both God and people. It’s not one or the other—it’s both. That’s how we reflect the purity Jesus taught.

Watch Your Words

Food may affect the body, but words can affect hearts. What we say can build others up—or tear them down. Before speaking, we should pause and ask:

Will this reflect God’s love?

God knows what’s in our hearts. Our words and actions reveal whether we’re truly following Him.

Going Deeper in Your Bible Study

If you’d like to explore more lessons, check out these related studies:

• The Story of Judah and Tamar
• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
• Visit the MCK homepage for more Bible lessons.

Final Thoughts on Purity of the Heart

So, what did Jesus say about purity? He taught us that purity is not about traditions or appearances. True purity comes from the heart, shown in how we love God and treat others.

Let’s live with a heart that honors God—not just with our lips, but with our lives.

Love in Christ,
Bob

If you would like to learn how to accept Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.