Bible Chapter Summary
Matthew 15 Summary
Tradition versus Commandment; Canaanite Woman's Faith
Scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem question Jesus about his disciples not washing their hands before eating, violating the tradition of the elders. Jesus responds by showing how their tradition transgresses God's commandment to honor father and mother. He teaches the multitude that defilement comes not from unwashed hands but from evil thoughts proceeding from the heart. Later, a Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter; though he initially says he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel, he commends her faith and heals her daughter from that hour.
Key themes
Key verses
Matthew 15:3-9
“But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?”
Matthew 15:11
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
Matthew 15:22-28
“And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.”
Matthew 15:37-38
“And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”
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