Matthew 15:3,4 Caught up in traditions?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Last Friday we ended with Matthew 15:1,2, when the Pharisees and religious teachers confronted Jesus about His disciples washing their hands prior to eating. Today we will get Jesus' reply.

Matthew 15:3,4 "But he answered and said unto them, 'Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

Now, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law came from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish authority, to scrutinize Jesus' activities. Over the centuries since the Jews' return from Babylonian captivity, hundreds of religious traditions had been added to God's laws.

The Pharisees and religious teachers of law considered them all equally important. Many traditions are not bad in themselves. Certain religious traditions can add richness and meaning to life. But we must not assume that because our traditions have been practiced for years, they should be elevated to a sacred standing.

God's principals never change, and his law doesn't need additions. Traditions should help us understand God's laws better, not become laws themselves.

When speaking of 'honour they father and mother' in this text, the fifth commandment, this means as a child to obey - as an adult to take care of our parents or support them. During this time it was possible for a Jew to dedicate his property to the Temple, avoiding the necessity of supporting his parents, yet he could continue to enjoy the proceeds himself. Where are you today? Caught up in all the religious traditions that we, man, think important; meanwhile putting our Bible and God's word on the back shelf? Think about this. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny