Matthew 15

Chapter Summary

Matthew 15 begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes, who accuse His disciples of not following traditional practices. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of inner purity and obedience to God's commands, citing Matthew 15:8-9. He then heals a Canaanite woman's daughter, demonstrating His power and compassion towards the Gentiles. The chapter also recounts Jesus' feeding of the 4,000, which showcases His ability to provide for the physical needs of His followers. Throughout the chapter, Jesus teaches about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of true faith, referencing Matthew 15:18-20.

Context for the Chapter

Matthew 15 is situated in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in Galilee and His interactions with various groups, including the Pharisees, scribes, and Gentiles. The chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of heaven and His confrontations with the religious leaders, and it precedes His journey to Jerusalem and the events leading up to His crucifixion. Understanding the historical and cultural context of Jesus' ministry is essential for grasping the significance of His teachings and actions in this chapter, particularly in relation to the Jewish law and traditions.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Matthew 15, we are reminded of the importance of true faith and obedience to God's commands. We must examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are not guilty of hypocrisy or prioritizing human traditions over God's Word. By trusting in Jesus' power and compassion, we can experience healing, feeding, and redemption, and we are called to extend this same compassion and love to others, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Matthew 15 teaches us about the importance of true faith and obedience to God's commands. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their hypocrisy and emphasizes the need for inner purity, as seen in Matthew 15:8. He also demonstrates His power and compassion by healing a Canaanite woman's daughter and feeding the multitudes, as seen in Matthew 15:29-31. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to examine our own hearts and trust in Jesus' power and love.

Voices from the Church

“The Scriptures do not merely teach us, but also reprove and correct us, that we may not be deceived by the errors of men, but may be instructed in the wisdom of God, as seen in Matthew 15:1-9.”

— John Calvin

“The faith of the Canaanite woman is a noble example of the power of prayer and the importance of perseverance in seeking God's blessing, as seen in Matthew 15:21-28.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Confrontation with the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-9) — Jesus responds to the Pharisees' accusations, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands over human traditions.
2. The Canaanite Woman's Faith (Matthew 15:21-28) — The Canaanite woman's persistence and faith in Jesus' power to heal her daughter demonstrate the importance of trust in God's sovereignty.
3. Jesus' Ministry to the Gentiles (Matthew 15:29-31) — Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the multitudes demonstrate His compassion and power to heal and feed the Gentiles.
4. Feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) — Jesus feeds the multitudes, showcasing His ability to provide for the physical needs of His followers.
5. Conclusion (Matthew 15:40-39) — The chapter concludes with Jesus' continued ministry to the Gentiles and His emphasis on the importance of true faith and obedience to God's commands.

Core Doctrines

The Authority of Scripture

Matthew 15 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands over human traditions, highlighting the authority of Scripture in guiding our faith and practice.

The Power of Faith

The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus' ability to heal and feed, as seen in the Canaanite woman's persistence and the feeding of the 4,000.

The Compassion of God

Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the multitudes showcase God's compassion and desire to redeem people from every background.

The Importance of Humility

The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility in approaching God, as seen in the Canaanite woman's humility and Jesus' response to her faith.

Lessons from Matthew 15

1. The Danger of Hypocrisy — Matthew 15 teaches us about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of true faith and obedience to God's commands.
2. The Power of Faith — The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus' ability to heal and feed, as seen in the Canaanite woman's persistence and the feeding of the 4,000.
3. The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility in approaching God, as seen in the Canaanite woman's humility and Jesus' response to her faith.
4. The Compassion of God — Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the multitudes showcase God's compassion and desire to redeem people from every background.
5. The Authority of Scripture — Matthew 15 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands over human traditions, highlighting the authority of Scripture in guiding our faith and practice.

Themes from Matthew 15

1. True Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of true faith and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes.
2. Compassion and Love — Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the multitudes demonstrate God's compassion and desire to redeem people from every background.
3. Humility and Dependence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility in approaching God, as seen in the Canaanite woman's humility and Jesus' response to her faith.
4. The Authority of Scripture — Matthew 15 highlights the authority of Scripture in guiding our faith and practice, as seen in Jesus' emphasis on obedience to God's commands over human traditions.
5. The Power of Faith — The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus' ability to heal and feed, as seen in the Canaanite woman's persistence and the feeding of the 4,000.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which we can prioritize obedience to God's commands over human traditions in our own lives?
2. How can we demonstrate compassion and love to those around us, particularly those who may be considered outsiders or marginalized?
3. What are some ways in which we can cultivate true faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity?
4. How can we balance our desire for physical comfort and security with our trust in God's provision and care?
5. What are some ways in which we can extend Jesus' ministry to the Gentiles in our own context, reaching out to those who may not know Him?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Matthew 15

	Sermon	Description
	Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham	This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli
	(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire.
	Characteristics of Pharisees - 1 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker warns against following blind leaders who lack clear vision and love for others. He advises against following legalistic individuals, even if they hold
	Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God
	Christian Growth 2 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of a woman who approached Jesus for help. He highlights four different responses Jesus gave to her, which were denial, discouragem
	(Titus - Part 11): Inspiration by Information by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his joy in seeing the work of God in the neighborhood through the Pioneer Girls program. He then addresses the perception of the ch
	A Big Neighbourhood by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor and following the example of Jesus. He shares a personal story about encountering someone in need an
	(Excerpt) the Great Falling Away by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of the falling away from the faith in the last days. He criticizes the church for prioritizing their traditions over the commandmen
	Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the opportunities to spread the word of God through tapes and videos, particularly in America. He shares a personal experience
	Freedom Cd - Track 5 (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, Jesus performs miracles by healing the mute, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, which leads the people to praise the God of Israel. Jesus shows compassion for t

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 15

Matthew 15 presents a striking contrast between the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the true faith of the Canaanite woman. Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands over human traditions, while the Canaanite woman's faith demonstrates the power of trust in God's sovereignty. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of true faith, humility, and dependence on God. By trusting in Jesus' power and compassion, we can experience healing, feeding, and redemption, and we are called to extend this same compassion and love to others, regardless of their background or circumstances, as seen in Matthew 15:1-39. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?