All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 54 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
Jesus taught that what defiles a person comes not from what enters the mouth, but from what proceeds out of the heart, such as evil thoughts, lusts, and slander. The speaker urges listeners to be more careful about spiritually defiling things—like what they read or see—than about physical sickness. True spirituality is marked by a greater fear of sin than of physical illness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What truly defiles a man?Jesus explains to Peter and the disciples that things entering the mouth go into the stomach and pass out, but evil things proceeding from the heart are what truly defile a person.Matthew 15:11
Being more afraid of sin than sicknessPeople are extremely careful to wash plates and avoid germs that cause physical sickness, yet remain careless about things that enter through the eyes and ears to defile the soul.
Comparing media impurity to poisonJust a small amount of sexual impurity in entertainment is like a drop of poison in a glass of milk, lingering in the memory and stimulating lust.
Immediate rejection of spiritual evilJust as our sense of taste causes us to immediately spit out spoiled food, a spiritual person immediately rejects and turns away from sinful images and temptations.
Journey to Tyre and SidonJesus travels a great distance on foot outside the borders of Israel into the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman comes to Him pleading for her demon-possessed daughter.
Testing persistence and humilityJesus tests the woman by initially stating He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel and comparing her to a dog, but she persists in humble faith, asking only for crumbs from the table.
The children's bread versus the crumbsMaterial blessings are like crumbs meant for dogs, while the children's bread is partaking of God's own nature through His precious promises.2 Peter 1:4
Great faith rewardedCommending her great faith, Jesus heals her daughter instantly, showing how persistence, humility, and faith unlock God's power.
Healing the sick by the Sea of GalileeLarge multitudes bring the lame, blind, crippled, and mute to Jesus, and He heals them all, prompting the people to give glory to the God of Israel.
Compassion for the hungry crowdSeeing that the multitude has remained with Him for three days without food, Jesus expresses concern that they might faint on the way home.
Feeding four thousand with seven loavesAfter giving thanks, Jesus breaks seven loaves and a few small fish, feeding over four thousand people with seven large baskets of leftovers remaining.
