The evil within (Mark 7:23)

“All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:23)

When the Lord Jesus looks into our hearts, here is exactly what He sees:

1.        Evil thoughts

2.       Adulteries

3.       Fornications

4.       Murders

5.       Thefts

6.       Covetousness

7.       Wickedness

8.       Deceit

9.       Lasciviousness

10.   An evil eye

11.   Blasphemy

12.   Pride

13.   Foolishness

In v. 23 He said “all these evil things come from within,” earlier in v. 21 he mentions “from within, out of the heart of men” that clearly means that the source of our sin is our heart.  The Lord goes directly to the heart of the matter.  These thirteen items (which gives a seemingly endless effect) all stem from the one singular source, i.e. the heart.  Matthew’s list is similar but shorter, and contains “false witness” (Matt. 15:19).  What an amazing expose of the human heart.  This is the reason why we need to be born again, why we need God to produce in us a new heart (Ezek. 18:31; 36:26).  And then, as born again believers we must ever be so vigilant to guard our heart (Pro. 4:23).  Praise God for His saving and sanctifying work in our lives.