Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 15:7-9
Chronologically this is the first time Jesus called the Pharisees and teachers of the law hypocrites. Their hypocrisy consisted of making a show of commitment to God while at the same time giving human tradition precedence over God’s Word.Isaiah addressed the words that Jesus quoted to Jerusalem Jews who sometimes allowed external acts of worship to vitiate principle. Rather than continuing God’s will, the Jews’ traditions perpetuated the spirit of the hypocrites in Isaiah’s day. The context of... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 15:1-20
4. The opposition of the Pharisees and scribes 15:1-20 (cf. Mark 7:1-23; John 7:1)Matthew recorded another round of opposition, withdrawal and disciple training, and public ministry (ch. 15). This is his last substantial group of events in Jesus’ Galilean ministry. The writer’s repetition of this pattern highlights the chief features of this stage of Jesus’ ministry. This second round also reveals growth in each area of ministry. There is greater opposition, greater faith, and greater help for... read more