Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 15:1

"Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying," — Matthew 15:1 (ASV)

Scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem—The presence of these individuals on the scene is significant in every way. They had been prominent in similar accusations.

They were the ones who had accused our Lord of blasphemy for forgiving sins (Matthew 9:3), of eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:11), of disregarding fasts (Matthew 9:14), of casting out demons by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24), and of breaking the Sabbath (Matthew 12:2; Matthew 12:10).

We can believe it was their presence in the synagogue of Capernaum that led our Lord to adopt a form of teaching so unlike the usual tone of His Galilean ministry . And now they return to the attack with a new and characteristic accusation.