A Relationship, Not a Ritual
Morning: Genesis 49-50
Evening: Matthew 15:1-20
In Matthew 15:1-15, Jesus confronts the Pharisees for their focus on outward traditions over inward transformation. They were so busy keeping human traditions that they neglected the very heart of God’s commandments. Jesus says, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). Religion that does not lead to obedience and a deeper love for God is empty and dangerous.
Faith in Jesus is not about rituals or appearances; it’s about a real relationship. Jesus makes it clear: if our religion teaches us to sin or ignore God’s Word, it’s false and leads to destruction. Whether it’s empty ritual or outright rebellion, both result in separation from God. True faith transforms our hearts, guiding us to live in obedience and love.
The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus offers us something far better than hollow religion. He invites us into a personal relationship where we can truly know Him. Let’s examine our hearts today: Is our faith drawing us closer to Jesus, or is it just a routine?
Key Insights
- Faith Is a Relationship, Not a Checklist: “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). True faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, not outward performance.
- Religion Without Obedience Is Dangerous: Jesus said, “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6). Anything that leads us away from God’s truth, even religious practices, is false.
- Our Words Reflect Our Heart: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matthew 15:11). What we say and do reveals the state of our relationship with God.
- Jesus Exposes Empty Religion: Jesus came to bring life, not more rules. His desire is for transformation, not appearances.
- True Faith Transforms: Genuine faith moves us beyond self-reliance to full surrender and obedience to God.
Connection to Other Scripture
- Isaiah 29:13: “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men”. This highlights the danger of honoring God outwardly while being far from Him inwardly.
- James 1:22: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. True faith is demonstrated by obedience.
- John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Love for God naturally produces obedience to His Word.
Questions to Reflect On
- Is my faith based on a real relationship with Jesus, or have I allowed it to become routine?
- Are there any traditions or practices in my life that conflict with God’s Word?
- Do my words and actions reflect a heart transformed by God?
- Am I letting Jesus work in me, or am I just focused on outward appearances?
- How can I grow in my relationship with Jesus this week?
A Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that true faith is about relationship, not rituals. I don’t want to honor You with my lips while my heart is far from You. Help me to let go of anything that distracts me from truly knowing You. Search my heart, and teach me to follow You in obedience and love. I want my faith to be real, alive, and centered on You. Thank You for Your grace that transforms me from the inside out. In Your name, I pray. Amen.