“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (v8). Using Isaiah’s words, Jesus condemned the hypocrisy of leaders who told people that religious offerings took priority over the care of their elderly parents (v5-6). They glorified “tradition” and enriched themselves while ignoring the heart of God’s command to honor father and mother.  Their manipulative attempts to avoid simple obedience contrasted with the faith of the non-Israelite woman who sought Jesus desperately, in the face of seeming rejection, because he was her only hope (v21-28).

“In vain do they worship me ...” (v9). Jesus condemned those who used God’s name for political gain or personal power. He welcomes sincere worshipers who recognize their helplessness and seek him desperately.