Mark 7:1-23
This long section dealing with defilement begins with a question from the Pharisees about eating with unwashed hands (verse 7). Christ's answer never strays from this point; He is addressing ritual washings that the Jews added (verses 7-9), not unclean meats. Verse 19, however, is often cited as proof that Jesus declared all foods clean. Yet He is speaking about the human digestive system! He says that whether one washes his hands or not, the digestive tract handles, or "purifies," all food the same way. He then moves to the more serious issue of a man's conduct, which is what truly defiles him.
The arrival of the Pharisees and scribes opens a long section dealing with defilement, beginning with their question about eating with unwashed hands. Christ's answer never strays from this point; He addresses the ritual washings that the Jews added (verses 7-9), not unclean meats. Though verse 19 is often cited as proof that Jesus declared all foods clean, He is speaking about the human digestive system. Whether one washes his hands or not, the digestive tract handles, or purifies, all food the same way. Christ then moves to the more serious issue of a man's conduct, which is what truly defiles him.