Cleanliness is Next to Godliness?

I heard the saying often growing up: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” But is it true? Is this really the case, or is this a cultural misconception? Is God squeaky clean?

Jesus didn’t wash his hands before he ate.

In Matthew 15, the Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus why he didn’t follow the tradition of the elders and wash his hands before he ate. He took this opportunity to share with them a simple truth about the kingdom of God.

Cleanliness is not next to godliness.

At least not in the way the religious leaders thought. They were so concerned with what was entering their bodies that they neglected what was coming out. They missed a very simple truth that is the heart of the gospel.

All have sinned.

All are covered in the stain and dirt of sin. Wallowing in excrement. Content in foulness. Rotting away.

Enter Jesus.

From his throne on high, he steps down. Walks toward you. Kneels down in his flowing white robes. Robes so white, bleach would stain them. Hot, glowing, blinding white. But he kneels down into the mud and filth. He touches you. He reaches out his hand and pulls you toward himself, embracing you in his arms. He doesn’t seem to mind that his robes are now filthy too. But the filth doesn’t seem to stick to him.

Up from the ground he pulls you. He motions to his servants, and they bring clothes. Clothes more perfect than anything you’ve seen before. Clean, starched white clothes. They lead you toward a place where you are washed clean.

As you look around, you see others. You weren’t the only one in the mire. These others have been washed also. There’s something about them. A fragrance. An air. Something you’ve never seen before. It’s Jesus. They smell like him.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

But it is a different kind of cleanliness. The kind only Jesus can offer. Only Jesus can wash your stains clean. Only he has the power to remove sin, by his blood shed on the cross in your place. This cleanliness is not a result of any attempt to clean yourself. It is only by admitting sin and turning in faith to follow Jesus that you can be cleansed. Reaching out to take his hand. Receive the cleanliness that leads to godliness. Be washed by the water.