V.1-23 Two important points to learn here. The religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees is exposed and judged by Jesus. All these washings were despised by God. Secondly, the Lord shows that what comes out of a man’s mouth defiles him, because it comes out of his heart, not what goes in. People can be religious without being holy. They washed their hands, but not their hearts. Believers may fail, and often do, but the soul that is resting on the grace of God only looks to God for approval.
V.24-30 He goes up to the north and shows the wonderful grace of God to a poor Gentile woman who was outside Israel. Her humble remarks show that she knew she deserved nothing. God in His grace brought blessing to her. The only condition too for blessing to any.
V.31-37 The state of this poor man represents the state of His beloved people — they were deaf to the voice of the good Shepherd, and their tongue was tied so that they could not give the praise to God. Israel was without speech or hearing! The Lord sighs, the ears are opened, and the tongue is loosed.
V.37 “He hath done all things well.” Do you see that many times a day?