Verse: Mark 7:1-5
1The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)
5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”
Devotional Thoughts:
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our church community. Perhaps with Back to Church Sunday coming up, I’ve been thinking about people who could possibly walk through our doors that aren’t regular attendees, or maybe they don’t attend at all. The question I keep thinking of is this: what will they find?
In this passage, Jesus and the Pharisees have a disagreement over the ceremonial washing of hands before eating. In a nutshell, Jesus responds by driving home the point that the inside of a person is much more important than the outside.
Jesus is speaking of this truth in regards to individuals, but, as I was thinking about this passage, I found that the general principle can apply for churches too.
And that is this: What is found on the inside of a church community is much more important than what is on the outside.
That means those outside things – things like paint jobs, church signs, revamped websites, etc. – those things are not nearly as important as what is on the inside – practicing authentic community together, learning biblical truths together, growing together, making disciples together, weeping in difficult times together, rejoicing in wonderful times together. FBC Bells – a place not to come and be served, but a place to belong together.
Take a look at the early church:
44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
– Acts 2:44-47
There’s nothing wrong with improving the outside. I don’t think Jesus would be against washing our hands before we eat. But here’s the kicker – the outside is pointless if the inside is not genuine and real.
Points to Ponder:
A couple questions to think about:
Where are we going through the motions as a church community?
From time to time, I’ve noticed people that I don’t recognize walk through our doors. Are we making an effort to make them feel welcomed and valued? (This means more than simply saying that we’re glad they’re here.)
To press that further, are we offering to take these people to lunch after the service is over?
Are we being intentional in getting to know these people?
For those individuals who actually begin attending a bit more, are we being intentional in letting them know that they are always welcome in our Bible Studies?
What are we looking to as a “measuring stick” of success, and, whatever that is, is it the proper gauge to determine whether we are succeeding or failing in ministry?
