When residents near this garbage dump, which will collect 1,000,000,000 pounds of garbage this year, began to complain about the smell, local authorities decided to do something about it. They prepared special trucks to be able to spray perfume around the landfill.
They are hoping this will provide the dump with a “pleasant, showery smell.” Neighbors expect this to be an improvement. Of course, they know it will not be the ultimate cure.
It was this approach, Jesus was addressing in Matthew 15. Throughout human history, people have attempted to deal with the garbage within their human hearts with moral perfume, hoping it would cover the smell. Possibly in some cases it improves the smell, but it ultimately does not solve the problem.
The problem is the landfill of garbage within the human heart. This must be radically treated. Jesus says that unless he comes in and removes the garbage, rotting and decay will continue.
Mt. 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20aThese are what make a man 'unclean’…
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