The practice of the Pharisees, in their homes, was to clean the outside of every cup and dish. This was not for health reasons, but as a religious duty; otherwise they might become impure if the dirt of an impure man or animal landed on their dishes. They were more concerned with this ritual of cleanliness than whether the drinks they poured into the cups were stolen, or whether they themselves had become unclean through adultery. When Jesus condemned this practice, He canceled all the purification rituals. He instructed the hypocrites to clean their hearts from every bad intent. Then, having done that, they might care for outside cleanliness as well. Outside bodily cleanliness does not signify sanctification of the mind, and beautiful clothes can hide an evil-minded person.
Every cleaning and ablution is superficial, for it does not clean the spirit of man. All religions realize that man is not pure within, and needs purification. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can purify us from every sin. The Holy Spirit then sanctifies man so that he who believes in Christ obtains a new heart and a right spirit within.