Matthew 15:1-2 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”
I love routine and tradition. There is great comfort in knowing what to expect. But Jesus cautions here about the danger of blindly following tradition and of putting tradition before God.
Matthew 15:3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
This scripture, to me, is an invitation to examine our actions. The expression “What would Jesus do?” takes on new significance in this light. Are we doing something to bring glory to God, to shine His light, to comfort His people? If not, what’s our purpose?
Matthew 15:7-9 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”
Precious Savior, Thank You for this reminder that unless You are our focus and purpose, blindly following tradition, no matter how comforting, is not from You and does not glorify You. I want to honor You, always, with my lips, my heart, my words, and my actions. Help me. Amen.
Matthew 15:10-11 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Have a blessed day.