Matthew 15:12-14

Mark recorded that this interchange between the disciples and Jesus happened in a house after they had retired there from the public confrontation that preceded (Mark 7:17). Jesus’ disciples, as all the Jews, held the Pharisees and teachers of the law in high regard. Since Jesus’ words had offended His critics, the disciples wanted to know why He had said them. Jesus proceeded to disillusion His disciples regarding the reliability of His critics’ spiritual leadership. If there was any doubt in the reader’s mind that the religious leaders had turned against Jesus, the disciples’ statement in Matthew 15:12 should end it.

First, Jesus compared the non-elect, including the unbelieving Pharisees and scribes, to plants that God had not planted (cf. Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 13:36-43). There are several passages in the Old Testament that compare Israel to a plant that God had planted (e.g., Psalms 1:3; Isaiah 60:21). Isaiah also described God uprooting rebellious Israel as a farmer pulls up a worthless plant (Isaiah 5:1-7). Jesus meant God would uproot the Pharisees and scribes and other unbelievers because they were not people that He had planted. Furthermore, they were worthless as leaders. This would have been a shocking revelation to the disciples. Jesus had previously hinted at this (Matthew 3:9; Matthew 8:11-12), but now since they had definitely rejected Him He made the point clear.

Jesus told the disciples to leave the critics alone even as He said God would leave the weeds the enemy had planted in the field alone (Matthew 13:28-29). Some of the Jews considered themselves guides of the spiritually blind (cf. Romans 2:19). These Pharisees and scribes apparently did since they knew the law and understood its traditional interpretations. However, Jesus disputed their claim. To Him they were blind guides of the blind. They failed to comprehend the real meaning of the Scriptures they took so much pride in understanding. A tragic end awaits the blind guides as well as those whom they guide. The critics’ rejection of Jesus was only one indication of their spiritual blindness.