The pharisees and scribes ask Jesus a great question here.  Why don't Your disciples wash their hands before every meal?

They are not simply asking for cleanliness reasons - they are asking because they themselves are known for a special type of purity.

This would be the equivalent of asking today, something like, "Why don't Your disciples pray before every meal?"  The washing of hands before you eat was a way of honoring God for the gift that He has given.  It was the Pharisee's way of exhibiting praise.  God blessed him with a meal, so he blesses God with a ritual.  This is also why we pray before meals today; to give God praise for His provision.

So why didn't Jesus insist on this ritual cleaning for His disciples?

Jesus was concerned with the heart more than the hands - but is that the reason?

Where was Jesus' focus with His disciples?  We learn in chapter 6 that He often allowed His disciples freedom to worship and work in their own particular style.  Perhaps Jesus is asking His disciples to create a way of worship that fits them, specifically.

Perhaps Jesus want us to find the same thing.