Knowing The Word in Matthew 15:1-9

Traditions and Commandments

1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem [an official deputation from the capital that is concerned about a heterodox movement in Galilee] and said, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? [A rabbi is responsible for the theology and the life of their disciples. This “oral” tradition goes beyond the written law and is an elaboration on it. Eventually oral traditions such as these were codified in the Mishnah with its incredibly detailed regulations, c. AD 200.] For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” [Exodus 30:18 and following required the washing of hands at certain cultic events. However the newer requirement to wash your hands before a meal was a new introduction by the Pharisees around the time of Jesus, and “he should have known better!”] 3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? [Jesus does not deny the charge but now undermines its significance.] 4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother [Exodus 20:12],’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die [Exodus 21:17].’ [These commandments are attributed to God, not tradition, and they establish the seriousness of Jesus’ charge against them.] 5 But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” 6 he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. [A tradition that voids the commandment of God has no authority for Jesus.] 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah [29:13] prophesy of you, when he said:

8 “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” [The quoting of these verses is quite consistent with Jesus’ opposition to legalistic religion.]