Matthew 15

Jesus rebuking tradition

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Matthew 15:1–6

Jesus confronts leaders who used their traditions to escape God's commandment to honor parents.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 7:1-13 — tradition of the elders

Jehovah's lament over lip-worship

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, Matthew 15:7–9

Jesus quotes the LORD's words in Isaiah; the 'me' is Jehovah, the premortal Christ. The Lord spoke nearly the same words to Joseph Smith in the First Vision.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Isaiah 29:13 — draw near with mouth, heart far from me
• alluded to by Joseph Smith—History 1:19 — the Lord repeats this charge in the First Vision

Jesus teaching what defiles

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Matthew 15:10–20

Jesus teaches that defilement comes from the heart, and speaks of 'my heavenly Father' who will uproot what He did not plant.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 7:14-23 — what defiles a man

Lord, Son of David

Son of David — the promised royal heir of David, a title of the Messiah

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. Matthew 15:21–23

A Gentile woman from Canaan calls Jesus by the Messianic title 'son of David' and begs for mercy for her daughter.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Mark 7:24-26 — the Syrophenician woman

Shepherd sent to the lost sheep

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24–28

Jesus says He was sent to gather Israel's lost sheep, as the Lord promised in Ezekiel. Yet He rewards this Gentile woman's great faith, pointing ahead to the gospel going to all nations.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Ezekiel 34:16 — 'I will seek that which was lost'
• a parallel account in Mark 7:27-30 — the daughter healed

The God of Israel

God of Israel — the covenant God, Jehovah

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. Matthew 15:29–31

Seeing the lame walk and the blind see, the crowd praises the God of Israel. Restoration scripture teaches that Jesus is Himself the God of Israel, so their praise fits the very One healing them.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Isaiah 35:5-6 — the blind see and the lame leap
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:14 — 'I am the God of Israel'

Bread of Life (feeding the four thousand)

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. Matthew 15:32–39

Again Jesus feeds a hungry multitude in the wilderness, giving thanks and breaking bread, a sign that He is the One who truly sustains life.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 8:1-9 — feeding the four thousand
• alluded to by Matthew 16:9-10 — Jesus recalls the seven loaves