Clean Hands or Clean Heart
Matthew 15:1–20
What comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. Matthew 15:11

Do you stand before God with clean hands only, that is, with mere ceremonial religion, or do you come with a new, clean heart?

Washing our hands in a religious way is not the issue today, of course, but the principle applies in other areas. For some this type of ceremonial religion means good works, perhaps giving money to help the poor or donating time to charity. A person like this supposes that he will be accepted by God for these works. Another person thinks in terms of religious observance, so she is faithful to attend church services. Another person places weight on standing or sitting for prayers, how he holds his prayer book, or whether he crosses himself on entering a church. My mother is a strong Christian today but she says that, when she looks back to her catechetical instruction in preparation for her first communion, all she can remember is how she was told to hold her prayer book and when she was to sit down and stand up.

If you have been understanding religion in these or similar ways, you may have discovered that ceremonial things do nothing to change the nature of your heart. Regardless of how often you go to church, it is still the case that out of your heart come such sins as “evil thoughts, . . . false witness [and] slander,” or even such sins as “murder, adultery, sexual immorality [and] theft” (v. 19).

You have two problems. You need forgiveness for your sins and you need a new heart that will enable you to stop sinning and begin to serve God. Where can forgiveness be found? Where can a new heart be acquired? The good news is that Jesus came to give you both. He died on the cross so you might have forgiveness, he bore the punishment for your sins in your place, and he rose again to impart the Holy Spirit, who is the source of new life. It is God alone who can give you a heart capable of loving and serving him.

Do you want a new heart? The only place you will ever get it is from God the Father and from Jesus, who made the gift possible. Come to God. Ask Jesus for it. The Pharisees would not come, which is why they perished in their sins.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.