Matthew Chapter 15: True Purity and the Messiah’s Mission

Matthew chapter 15 records Jesus’ confrontations with religious traditions, His teachings on true purity, and His miracles that extend God’s grace beyond Israel. Through debates with the Pharisees, the healing of a Canaanite woman’s daughter, and the feeding of four thousand, Jesus reveals His authority as the Messiah who redefines righteousness and fulfills God’s redemptive plan for all nations. Set in Galilee and Gentile regions, this chapter highlights the contrast between external rituals and heart-focused faith. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for references, this article explores Matthew 15, breaking it into key sections and providing cross-references to deepen its meaning.

Context and Setting

Matthew chapter 15 follows Jesus’ miracles of feeding five thousand and walking on water (Matthew 14), occurring during His Galilean ministry, several months before His final Passover in Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1). The events unfold in Galilee, possibly near Capernaum, and in the Gentile regions of Tyre, Sidon, and the Decapolis (Matthew 15:21, 29). Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, presents Jesus as the Messianic King who fulfills Scripture (Matthew 1:1; 15:25). This chapter prepares for Peter’s confession and the Passion predictions (Matthew 16–17), emphasizing Jesus’ divine authority and inclusive mission.

Key Sections and Themes

1. Confrontation Over Tradition and True Defilement (Matthew 15:1-20)

Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem challenge Jesus, asking, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat” (Matthew 15:2, ESV). Jesus counters, “Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3, ESV), citing their practice of declaring property “as a gift” (corban) to avoid supporting parents, violating the fifth commandment (Matthew 15:4-6; Exodus 20:12). He quotes Isaiah 29:13, saying, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8-9, ESV), condemning their empty worship. Jesus teaches the crowd, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth” (Matthew 15:11, ESV). Explaining to the disciples, He says defilement comes from the heart—evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and more—while unwashed hands do not defile (Matthew 15:18-20).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, prioritizing human traditions over God’s commands. His teaching on defilement redefines purity as a matter of the heart, not external rituals, challenging legalism and pointing to the need for inner transformation. This shift aligns with His Messianic mission to fulfill the Law by revealing its true intent (Matthew 5:17).

2. The Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)

Jesus withdraws to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman cries, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon” (Matthew 15:22, ESV). Jesus initially does not answer, and the disciples urge Him to send her away (Matthew 15:23). He says, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), but she kneels, pleading, “Lord, help me” (Matthew 15:25, ESV). Jesus responds, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” yet she replies, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Matthew 15:26-27, ESV). Jesus marvels, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire,” and her daughter is healed instantly (Matthew 15:28, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: The woman’s recognition of Jesus as “Son of David” and her persistent faith contrast with Israel’s leaders’ unbelief. Jesus’ initial focus on Israel reflects His mission’s priority, but her humility and trust prompt His commendation and miracle, signaling the gospel’s future expansion to Gentiles (Matthew 28:19). Her story highlights faith’s power to transcend cultural barriers and receive God’s mercy.

3. Healing Multitudes and Feeding Four Thousand (Matthew 15:29-39)

Jesus travels to the Sea of Galilee, possibly the Decapolis, where great crowds bring the lame, blind, mute, and others, whom He heals, causing them to glorify “the God of Israel” (Matthew 15:29-31, ESV). Moved with compassion for the crowd, who have been with Him three days without food, Jesus tells the disciples He will not send them away hungry (Matthew 15:32). They question how to feed so many in a desolate place, noting they have only seven loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:33-34). Jesus gives thanks, breaks the food, and the disciples distribute it, feeding four thousand men, besides women and children, with seven baskets of leftovers (Matthew 15:35-38). He then sails to Magadan (Matthew 15:39).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ healings in a Gentile region fulfill Messianic prophecies, glorifying God and extending His mission beyond Israel. The feeding miracle, distinct from the earlier five thousand, demonstrates His divine provision and compassion, echoing God’s care for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16). The abundance of leftovers underscores His limitless power, reinforcing His identity as the Messiah who meets all needs.

Theological Themes

Matthew 15 weaves together several key themes:

Application for Today

Matthew 15 challenges us to prioritize heart purity over external appearances, seeking transformation through Christ. The Canaanite woman’s faith inspires us to persist in prayer, trusting Jesus’ mercy despite obstacles. The Pharisees’ hypocrisy warns against elevating traditions above God’s Word, urging adherence to Scripture. Jesus’ miracles encourage us to trust His power to heal and provide, while His work among Gentiles calls us to share the gospel inclusively. As we reflect, may we live with genuine faith, honor God’s commands, and rely on the Messiah’s compassion.

Conclusion

Matthew chapter 15 reveals Jesus as the Messiah who redefines righteousness and extends God’s grace to all. Through His confrontation with the Pharisees, the Canaanite woman’s healing, and the feeding of four thousand, He demonstrates divine authority and compassion. As we study Matthew 15, may we trust His power, seek heart purity, and proclaim His inclusive kingdom.

Matthew 14 - Matthew 16