Luke 11 describes a time when a Pharisee was astonished that Jesus did not wash His hands before dinner. Jesus used this opportunity to rebuke the Pharisees for focusing on external rather than internal matters.
We all understand the value of washing our hands. And of course, the Pharisees washed for ritualistic purposes as much as hygienic ones. And yet, this scene still teaches us an important lesson.
Jesus knew the benefits of hand washing but also understood the greater importance of inward cleansing. Many today worry about clean food, good exercise, and natural medicine, yet ignore spiritual health. They eat natural and organic foods but rarely partake of the bread of life. They exercise rigorously but don’t discipline themselves for godliness. They seek natural medicine but never appear before the Great Physician. Health is important, but don’t fret over physical health while ignoring the much greater need to be spiritually well!