Joe: Alright, let's talk about Mark 7. So what can you tell us?

Bible Expert: Well, this chapter begins with the Pharisees and some of the scribes from Jerusalem coming to Jesus and asking why his disciples don't observe the tradition of the elders. Jesus responds by telling them that they've been neglecting the commandment of God in favor of their own tradition.

Joe: That sounds pretty intense.

Bible Expert: Yes, it is. Jesus then goes on to explain that it isn't what goes into a person that defiles them, but it's what comes out of them that makes them unclean.

Joe: Wow, I've never heard that before.

Bible Expert: Yes, it's quite revolutionary. He then goes on to give a few examples of what comes out of people that make them unclean, such as evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, and so on.

Joe: That's a lot of stuff.

Bible Expert: Yes, it is. He then goes on to explain that it is what comes out of a person's heart that defiles them, not what they eat. He explains that all foods are clean.

Joe: Wait, so you can eat whatever you want?

Bible Expert: Yes, that's what Jesus is saying. He then goes on to heal a woman from Syrophoenicia who had a demon-possessed daughter. This miracle impresses the people, and so Jesus goes away to a quiet place to pray.