Jesus said to the Pharisees: "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Mark 7:8
Much of what we do in our Christian walk is based on tradition. Often in God's commands we have "what" to do (ex. worship God, witness to Christ) but not "how" so we develop worship practices or witnessing methods (not prescribed in Scripture but in keeping with the intent of Scripture) to help us express worship to God or bear witness to Christ. Traditions are valuable when they help us to honor God and obey His commands. But if we elevate tradition to the level of God's command and become more zealous for our particular tradition than for God then we have become blind hypocrites like the Pharisees of Jesus' day.
Father, help me to value and practice good traditions that honor You. Keep me from confusing my tradition for Your law and from judging others by whether or not they keep my traditions.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees again on a matter of tradition and law. Why did His disciples not wash their hands before eating? “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men,” said Jesus. He then gives then an example of how their traditions have superseded God’s commands. They had used God as an excuse to neglect their responsibilities to their families. The Pharisees paid more attention to what went into the body than what came out of the heart. Jesus explained to the crowd and His disciples that real “uncleanness” are the evils that come out of the heart. A Greek woman intercedes for her daughter who is demon-possessed. With great faith and thoughtful words, the woman persuaded Jesus to heal her daughter. A deaf and mute man is brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus heals the man and tells them (the man and those who had brought him) not to tell anyone. The more He told them the more they spread the news.
ReplyDeleteReflective Question ~ Are there any traditions in your life that are getting in the way of you having fellowship with God?