Summary of Matthew Chapter 15:

Matthew 15 contains several important teachings and events from Jesus’ ministry. Here’s a summary of the chapter:

1. Tradition vs. God’s Command (Verses 1–9):
   Jesus is confronted by Pharisees and scribes who criticize His disciples for not following traditional handwashing rituals. Jesus rebukes them, accusing them of valuing human traditions over God’s commandments, especially highlighting how they use traditions to avoid honoring their parents.

2. What Defiles a Person (Verses 10–20):
   Jesus teaches that it’s not what goes into the mouth (food) that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, because it reflects the heart. He lists sins such as evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and slander as things that truly defile.

3. Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Verses 21–28):
   A Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. At first, Jesus seems to reject her, but her persistence and faith lead Him to grant her request and heal her daughter.

   4. Jesus Heals Many (Verses 29–31):Jesus heals crowds of people who are blind, lame, mute, and crippled, and they praise the God of Israel.

   5. Feeding the Four Thousand (Verses 32–39):Jesus miraculously feeds 4,000 men, plus women and children, with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. After everyone is satisfied, seven baskets of leftovers are collected.