
About this episode
This episode explores Jesus' teaching in Matthew 15:1-20 about the importance of the heart over outward religious practices.
Clean Hands, Corrupt Hearts In Matthew 15:1–20, Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ focus on outward religion and exposes a deeper problem. While they are concerned with traditions and ceremonial handwashing, Jesus shows that true holiness is not measured by external performance but by the condition of the heart. Through His accusation, response, and teaching, He reveals how easily we can substitute human traditions for genuine obedience to God. This sermon explores the danger of performative religion, the ways we hide behind rituals and appearances, and Jesus’ teaching that sin comes from within. Our greatest problem is not what is outside of us, but the corruption of the human heart. Yet Christ does not leave us there. He is the One who cleanses us from the inside out, giving new hearts through His Spirit and calling us to a holiness that is real, lasting, and rooted in Him.
People in this episode
Host: Resurrection Church
Topics covered
- true holiness
- outward religion
- human traditions
- performative religion
- condition of the heart
- corruption of the human heart
- cleansing through Christ
Keywords
- holiness
- Pharisees
- traditions
- obedience
- sin
- human heart
- cleansing
- spirituality
- Christianity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Pharisees
Books & works: Matthew 15:1-20
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- Matthew 12:38-50 · April 26, 2026
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