Matthew:15

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* Verse 1-9 - Additions to God 's laws reflect upon his wisdom , as if he had left out something which was needed , and which man could supply ; in one way or other they always lead men to disobey God . How thankful ought we to be for the written word of God ! Never let us think that the religion of the Bible can be improved by any human addition , either in doctrine or practice . Our blessed Lord spoke of their traditions as inventions of their own , and pointed out one instance in which this was very clear , that of their transgressing the fifth commandment . When a parent 's wants called for assistance , they pleaded , that they had devoted to the temple all they could spare , even though they did not part with it , and therefore their parents must expect nothing from them . This was making the command of God of no effect . The doom of hypocrites is put in a little compass ; "In vain do they worship me ." It will neither please God , nor profit themselves ; they trust in vanity , and vanity will be their recompence . * Verse 10-20 - Christ shows that the defilement they ought to fear , was not from what entered their mouths as food , but from what came out of their mouths , which showed the wickedness of their hearts . Nothing will last in the soul but the regenerating graces of the Holy Spirit ; and nothing should be admitted into the church but what is from above ; therefore , whoever is offended by a plain , seasonable declaration of the truth , we should not be troubled at it . The disciples ask to be better taught as to this matter . Where a weak head doubts concerning any word of Christ , an upright heart and a willing mind seek for instruction . It is the heart that is desperately wicked , Jeremiah strkjv @17:9 ,. for there is no sin in word or deed , which was not first in the heart . They all come out of the man , and are fruits of that wickedness which is in the heart , and is wrought there . When Christ teaches , he will show men the deceitfulness and wickedness of their own hearts ; he will teach them to humble themselves , and to seek to be cleansed in the Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness . * Verse 21-28 - The dark corners of the country , the most remote , shall share Christ 's influences ; afterwards the ends of the earth shall see his salvation . The distress and trouble of her family brought a woman to Christ ; and though it is need that drives us to Christ , yet we shall not therefore be driven from him . She did not limit Christ to any particular instance of mercy , but mercy , mercy , is what she begged for : she pleads not merit , but depends upon mercy . It is the duty of parents to pray for their children , and to be earnest in prayer for them , especially for their souls . Have you a son , a daughter , grievously vexed with a proud devil , an unclean devil , a malicious devil , led captive by him at his will ? this is a case more deplorable than that of bodily possession , and you must bring them by faith and prayer to Christ , who alone is able to heal them . Many methods of Christ 's providence , especially of his grace , in dealing with his people , which are dark and perplexing , may be explained by this story , which teaches that there may be love in Christ 's heart while there are frowns in his face ; and it encourages us , though he seems ready to slay us , yet to trust in him . Those whom Christ intends most to honour , he humbles to feel their own unworthiness . A proud , unhumbled heart would not have borne this ; but she turned it into an argument to support her request . The state of this woman is an emblem of the state of a sinner , deeply conscious of the misery of his soul . The least of Christ is precious to a believer , even the very crumbs of the Bread of life . Of all graces , faith honours Christ most ; therefore of all graces Christ honours faith most . He cured her daughter . He spake , and it was done . From hence let such as seek help from the Lord , and receive no gracious answer , learn to turn even their unworthiness and discouragements into pleas for mercy . * Verse 29-39 - Whatever our case is , the only way to find ease and relief , is to lay it at Christ 's feet , to submit it to him , and refer it to his disposal . Those who would have spiritual healing from Christ , must be ruled as he pleases . See what work sin has made ; what various diseases human bodies are subject to . Here were such diseases as fancy could neither guess the cause nor the cure of , yet these were subject to the command of Christ . The spiritual cures that Christ works are wonderful . When blind souls are made to see by faith , the dumb to speak in prayer , the maimed and the lame to walk in holy obedience , it is to be wondered at . His power was also shown to the multitude , in the plentiful provision he made for them : the manner is much the same as before . All did eat , and were filled . Those whom Christ feeds , he fills . With Christ there is bread enough , and to spare ; supplies of grace for more than seek it , and for those that seek for more . Christ sent away the people . Though he had fed them twice , they must not look for miracles to find their daily bread . Let them go home to their callings and their own tables . Lord , increase our faith , and pardon our unbelief , teaching us to live upon thy fulness and bounty , for all things pertaining to this life , and that which is to come . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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