Matthew 15:15-16

Peter again took the leadership among the disciples (cf. Matthew 14:28). Jesus’ answer to Peter’s request for an explanation of the parable (Matthew 15:17-20) identifies the parable as what Jesus had said about defilement in Matthew 15:11. Jesus again rebuked the disciples for failing to understand what he meant (cf. Matthew 14:31). The unbelieving multitudes were understandably ignorant, but Jesus’ believing disciples should have known better. Jesus had taught them the priority of reality over ritual before (Matthew 3:9; Matthew 12:1-21). Jesus’ rebuke was probably also a pedagogical device. It would have made the disciples try their best to understand what He was teaching in the future so they would avoid further rebukes.