Definition: And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 7:2. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling part of the Gospel (the story of Jesus). Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is teaching about sin. He’s pointing out something that’s wrong with people’s behavior – specifically, eating bread that isn’t clean or washed. Let’s unpack the details: “Some of his disciples” : This refers to Jesus's followers, particularly a group called the disciples. They were Jesus' closest companions and helpers. “Eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands” : This is the key part. "Defiled" means dirty or unclean. “Unwashen” means not washed. So, they’re eating bread that isn’t clean – it's been contaminated with something. “They found fault.” This means Jesus noticed this wrong behavior and said, "This is unacceptable." What does this verse say about Jesus? It suggests a few things: Jesus is concerned with holiness: He’s not just focused on the act of eating bread; he's concerned with whether people are acting right – with their hearts and minds. Sin is revealed through our actions: When we don't treat others well, when we don’t care about cleanliness and righteousness, it shows a deeper problem within ourselves. Jesus is holding them accountable: He’s pointing out that these disciples are not fully on the right path – they aren’t living in a way that pleases God. Overall Meaning: This verse is a gentle but firm condemnation of sin and encourages us to strive for a life of righteousness, purity, and holiness. It's about recognizing when we're not being true to God's character. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Jesus’ teachings. Explain what “sin” means in a simple way. Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or repentance)?