Text: Matthew 15:1-20
The Pharisees came to Jesus Christ to accuse His disciples of not honouring traditions of the elders (vv.1-2). For several centuries, after the return from captivity in Babylon, many religious traditions were added to the law of God. And Pharisees, and other leaders of religious law, took them seriously and equated them to the Word of God. Now they were using these traditions to judge Jesus’ disciples, for to them (Pharisees) violating these traditions was tantamount to breaking God’s law. To equate traditions to God’s law was not correct. Some traditions are not necessarily bad for they socially enrich people’s lives; but, they should not be elevated to Scripture. God’s law does not solicit for additions or, for that matter, subtraction (see Rev.22:18-19).
The religious traditions you observe in your church may bring order and meaning to life; but they should not be elevated to the standard of the Word of God. Some people even follow traditions blindly without knowing their meaning. Their answers are that the church has always done it that way. Study the Word of God, the truth, and it will set you free (John 8:32).
Meditate on verse 2. What religious traditions do you observe in your
church? Do you know the meaning of any? Do not follow blindly, inquire, read and study to know!
Omniscient and ever loving Father, create in me a heart that yearns to know and understand Your Word so that I can be free from bondage of tradition and rituals. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.