For the Kids // The Heart of the Matter

November 8, 2026

Jesus cares more about the inside than the outside. In our culture today, we spend countless hours and dollars trying to make the outside look good. While it is important to be healthy and to look good, Jesus says that the inside is even more important. Jesus is concerned with our heart. Salvation comes when, as it says in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” After salvation, then comes sanctification as we develop the heart of Jesus. So, how’s your heart? Grow a heart of love, compassion and sacrifice for the glory of our God.

1. God looks at the heart.

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:8

The Pharisees were more concerned about following religious traditions than obeying God’s Word.
Jesus exposed their hearts.
We can appear spiritual on the outside while being far from God on the inside.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

2. Our problem is not around us, but within us.

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Matthew 15:11

Jesus teaches that sin is not primarily an external problem, but originates in the heart.
We often blame our circumstances instead of examining our own heart.
External rules can modify behavior but cannot produce spiritual transformation. Only a relationship with God through Jesus can change our heart!
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” Ezekiel 36:26

3. Jesus came to transform us from the inside out.

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” Matthew 15:18