Jesus is in the house of the Pharisee, who had invited him for a meal. He is aware that his host is disturbed because he hadn't washed his hands before the meal. Jesus did not feel bound by the human-made laws of ritual purification.

What makes Jesus free to be himself is his self-realisation that he was his Father's Beloved Son. His Father's love transcended any law that was formulated by the Scribes and Pharisees, for their convenience. One could be superficial or hypocritical in the practice of one's religion or piety that may concern only with the external observance of the law.

The real cleansing, Jesus points out, is what takes place within us — our human heart which needs to be freed from all attachment to greed or malice towards others. God made us — our insides and outside — and we are clean all over. It is what is inside the cup and dish that needs to be poured out to those in need. Real cleansing can only be won by almsgiving, that comes from the heart. What is essential is our heart and the love that God has placed there to be shared with everyone in need.