What Jesus Said About Tradition

The Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus and asked, "Why do you and your disciples break our traditions by not washing before you eat?

Jesus said, "And why do you break God's commandments because of your tradition? For God said: 'Honor your father and your mother; and, The one who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death'" (Matthew 15:3-4).

Have you said bad words to your parents? I have and regretted it. I am thankful that my mom forgave me before she died, and I am so glad Jesus died for such a sin so I won't have to.

Jesus also confronted the Pharisees and scribes on their thinking that if they gave to the temple, they did not have to help their parents. He said, "In this way, you have revoked God's word because of your tradition. Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said: 'These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men'" (Matthew 15:7-9).

Think About It
Often men think what they do is right without considering what God says. People serve the Lord by doing great and marvelous works, but unless what they do is with love, it is worthless. How can we tell if our service is not pleasing to God? A good way to tell is if we become prideful or compare our works to that of others as the Pharisees did. God hates that kind of pride.

Pray About It
Father God, help me to love and honor my parents as long as I live. Help me grow up to be more like Jesus. Even in His death He took responsibility for His mother by giving her to John, the disciple He loved. Amen.

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