Matthew 15:1-20

Matthew 15:1-20

The capacity of religious people to get worked up is amazing. A delegation of the Pharisees and scribes has come from Jerusalem to question Jesus about hand washing rules. This was a trip of 80 miles as a crow flies all to discuss hand washing. Likely, Orthodox Jewish practice was the bigger subject, the keeping of the traditions that surrounded the word of God, but not specifically scripture itself. We always have a tendency to confuse our tradition with the Word of God. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion as to the non-specifics of our faith. The problem comes when our opinion is given the same authority as the Word of God and our opinions become empty rituals by which we then try to measure ourselves and others' faiths. The focus shifts from the heart that loves God and is committed to obeying him to keeping track of “measurables”. This is a righteousness that is earned by works rather than given by God.

How often do I measure my goodness based on an external shell of self-written, self-imposed and self-judged righteousness? From the clothes that are worn to worship, to the style of music, to the name of a denomination, what began as a way to understand and explain the faith came to replace that faith.

So, what are we to do? Jesus calls us to remember, that it is at the heart level of obedience where our submission to God is evident. What ruins us is not breaking tradition, but a heart gone wrong which can manifest in breaking God's law and the relationship that represents.

The Pharisees were offended because this would have undercut the very core of their power, their control. The rules are not about knowing God, but controlling religion and people. We need also note that Jesus says the Father would uproot what is not His. Religion that is only a ritual is absolutely useless and is bound to be uprooted.

"Lord, never allow me to love rules and rituals more than You. Amen"