TRADITIONS OF MEN
Mark 7:5-9 “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?’ 6He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.’ 9He said to them, ‘All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.’”
There have been things handed down to me by my “elders” that I would consider traditions of men. Things that they taught me through the wisdom of their own experiences. They were very dogmatic about some of those things and felt very passionate. I’ve seen among my peers a spiritual rebellion of sorts against some of those very teachings. I think they equate them with Jesus’ statement quoting Isaiah in verse 7: “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” However, the difference is clear and should not be blurred. The Pharisees and scribes were “laying aside the commandment of God” and “reject(ing) the commandment of God.” My elders were men and women who loved God fervently. And while some of their traditions might be a little outdated today and may border on the category of the commandments and traditions of men, the Word of God was always first and holiness was always the goal. Call it old fashioned or traditions of men if you want to. Jesus was simply emphasizing the religious leaders’ hypocrisy in making sure pitchers and cups were clean instead of their hearts. Don’t be too quick to abandon the good solid foundation given to you by wise men and women who’ve made it. We’re still on this side and it’s not over yet. Hold on to the things that can keep you on the right track and make you strong. And while you’re at it, pass on a few of those traditions to others who are coming behind you.