Trapped by Traditions - Mark 7:1-13

Let me ask you a question – “Is it more wrong to allow what God prohibits, or to prohibit what God allows?” This is what was asked of Jesus in our text this Sunday.

We leave the fields of Bethsaida and the storms of Galilee only to be confronted by the delegation from Jerusalem whose purpose was to entrap Jesus and His followers. They needed an excuse to persecute and finally prosecute Jesus. They started with something pretty simple – Jesus and the Disciples did not was their hands before lunch. That may not sound like a capital offense but truth the legalists to make this a big deal!  

Jesus and the Disciples probably did wash their hands (as we tell our kids to do) but they must not have done so in the Mosaic rituals of the Levites. This process had been adopted by the Scribes and Pharisees and then foisted onto the general public by legalistic expectations. What a mess – all the hand wringing and ceremonial washing – just to eat a sandwich.

Jesus does what He does best – answers with love and Scripture. Sunday I will walk us into this confrontation and we will listen to Jesus as He replies with truth over traditions. He will take the discussion from hands to the heart of the believer.  

This is a great lesson about judging one another – imposing legalism on each other – looking in the mirror instead of out the window for faith. This Fathers Day – bring your dad or somebody’s dad and join us for worship and time in God’s Word.

See you this Fathers Day

Pastor Mike