March 11, 2024 – Sin Lurks at the Door

“Listen to the words of Jesus: And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts…”

Mark 7:14ff

Jesus is making a very important point about the nature of humanity. You don’t defeat sin simply by separating yourself from sinful people. That may feel good, and feel profitable, but that does not keep sin out of your heart. Jesus would never have needed to come and die on the cross if it was that simple. In his words, Jesus calls us to humbly admit that the biggest danger to each one of us is not the sin that lurks outside – but the sin that still infects our hearts. Once you admit this, you begin to get excited about G-d’s grace in Jesus Christ. You see, if you convince yourself that the biggest influx of sin comes from the others in your life, other people, other things, then you can convince yourself that you have no need for change. But once you realize that sin not only lurks at the door, but resides in the heart, they you know you need the grace of Jesus Christ.

Let us remember the words of the prophet Joel 2:12-13:

“Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment.”

Our G-d is an amazing G-d.

Pastor Dave