Mark 7

The first part of chapter seven brings s back to the conflict between Jesus and the religious professionals. These are senior academics from within Jewish life. They have journeyed from Jerusalem to keep an eye on Jesus. We might argue that they are spying on him to see if they can find proof against him. We might read ahead to the crucifixion and see this spying as a means of preparing the case against Jesus. We might be jumping ahead here. Maybe there were those among these academics and religious professionals who are still not sure and are trying to find out.

The controversies surround Jesus and his disciples eating with unclean hands. Here we must be careful. This is not about cleanliness it is about the ritual cleaning prior to eating practiced by Rabbis and their followers. Jesus enters the controversy by attacking the rituals which are a distraction from the really important issues of the day. The reference to Isaiah by Jesus is relevant. The prophet is talking about the outward show of religious practice. The ritual is now more important than the substance of people's behaviour.

The classic example of this is the practice of 'Corban' the activity of giving money to the poor. This is a good practice in itself but many in Jesus day were using the practice to excuse themselves from their responsibilities to their fathers and mothers. They could gain recognition for their donations in public respect while at the same time failing in their family responsibilities.

This conflict between outward piety and inward sinfulness is at the heart of Jesus message. What enters a person makes them unclean not outward things.

The theme of uncleanness and acceptance is continued in the chapter. Jesus is now in Syrophoenicia a Gentile area comprising part of present day Lebanon. There he and his disciples are met by a local woman who needs healing for her sick daughter. She appeals to Jesus but his reaction is quite strange. He ignores her and indicates no interest. The disciples beg him to send her away for they are being tormented by her appeals.

Jesus eventually relents and speaks to her. 'You must not give the children's food to the dogs' he says. What does this mean? Jewish people regarded Gentiles as 'dogs'. They were effectually inhuman and of no value. Jesus is repeating this shocking racism. Why? At it's heart it is a test of the woman's resolve. If she really wants healing so badly she will not be put off by insults.

She never hesitates. 'Even the dogs eat what falls from the children's table' she says. He is struck by her indestructible faith. The outward ritual of insult has no affect. She will have her child healed. That is exactly what happens.

A deaf man from Tyre also approaches him. He too is a Gentile. He begs to hear and speak clearly.

Jesus puts his fingers in his ears and spits upon his tongue and the man is healed.

Once more Jesus is declaring an open place for all within God's plan. Even the isolated and forgotten, the despised and ignored are welcome to receive his acceptance. Jesus talks and acts in this chapter around the themes of the acceptable and the accepted.