Sermon/Lesson - A Clean Heart or Clean Hands? Matthew 15:1-20 or Mark 7:1-23

Key Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20 or Mark 7:1-23 (That Which Defiles)

Theme: True purity comes from the heart, not from outward traditions.

This children’s sermon uses the familiar practice of handwashing to teach an important spiritual truth. In the Gospel of Mark, the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disciples for eating without performing a ceremonial handwashing—not because of hygiene, but because they believed their traditions were equal to God’s laws. Jesus responds by calling out their hypocrisy. The problem wasn’t dirty hands—it was clean hands and unclean hearts.

The sermon explains the difference between God’s laws and human traditions, showing how the Pharisees created extra rules that distracted people from what truly mattered: loving God and loving others. Jesus teaches that it’s not what goes into us that makes us unclean; it’s the attitudes, words, and actions that come out of our hearts.

Key Takeaway: Clean hands may keep you healthy, but a clean heart keeps you close to God. God cares more about your kindness, honesty, and love than any rule made by people.