RSV ~ Matthew 15 Notes

Mt 15:1-20 | ISB Notes

Jesus’ clash with religious leaders centers on oral traditions added to the Mosaic Law. Addressing the Pharisees, Jesus designates ceremonial washing (15:2, 20) and the custom of dedication (15:5) as your tradition (15:6). He denies that these Pharisaic customs hold the same weight and authority as the Law of God (cf. Col 2:8). The Pharisees were violating the word of God (15:6) by overemphasizing the importance of their own traditions at the expense of the Law. Only traditions that stem from Christ and the apostles have divine authority, since they are not human in their origin (1 Cor 11:2; 2 Thess 2:15; 3:6). See note on Mk 7:3 and topical essay: Who Are the Pharisees? at Mk 2 (CCC 83-84).

Mt 15:5 | ISB Notes

is given to God: The Pharisees sometimes withheld financial support from parents in order to donate money to the Temple. This tradition of dedication was probably enforced by a vow, and money offered to the Temple could not be repossessed. While the practice of Temple donations appeared pious, its practical effect marginalized God’s commandment to honor one’s parents (15:4; Ex 20:12).

Mt 15:19 | ISB Notes

out of the heart: Real defilement is spiritual and moral, not ceremonial. The scribes and Pharisees unduly emphasized external ceremonies and compromised the true spirit of Israel’s religion. Real defilement stems from evil intentions within and is manifest through sinful deeds (5:28). Jesus stresses the need for inner purity of heart, not ritual purity of the body (CCC 2517). See note on Mt 5:8.

Mt 15:21 | ISB Notes

Tyre and Sidon: Gentile cities in Phoenicia, north of Palestine. According to the table of nations in Gen 10, Sidon was the first-born son of Canaan (Gen 10:15), and thus the woman is a “Canaanite” (15:22). Mark refers to her more proximate geographical background as “Syrophoenician” (Mk 7:26).

Mt 15:26 | ISB Notes

the children’s bread: i.e., Israel and its inherited right to God’s blessings. As in 8:5-13, Jesus heals a faith-filled Gentile despite his intention to minister to Israel first (15:24; 10:6; cf. Rom 1:16).

the dogs: Literally, “little dogs” or “puppies”. .

• Morally (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in Matt. 52): the Canaanite woman signifies repentant souls. Incapable of boasting, contrite sinners lean wholly on God’s mercy; they recognize their weakness before God and can only beg for blessings, unable to demand from God gifts that he freely bestows. Only the humble and faith-filled are rewarded with spiritual healing.

Mt 15:32-39 | ISB Notes

The feeding of the 4,000 is similar to the episode in 14:13-21. Differences lie in the number of people (15:38; 14:21), the number of loaves (15:34; 14:17), and the number of leftover baskets involved (15:37; 14:20). Both narratives emphasize the miraculousness of Jesus’ sign and the abundance of bread provided (cf. 16:9-10). See note on Mk 8:19.