In Matthew 15:1-20, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their elevation of human traditions over God’s commandments. While the Pharisees focus on external rituals like handwashing, Jesus teaches that what truly defiles a person is not external actions but the condition of the heart, as evidenced by sinful behaviors. He criticizes their hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah to emphasize that their worship is in vain because their hearts are far from God. The passage challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that our worship and obedience come from a transformed heart, not mere lip service.
