Beware the Traditions of Men

vv. 1-5 The Pharisees Critique

The disciples of Jesus did not follow the tradition of the Jewish elders regarding ceremonial washing prior to eating. The pharisees viewed them as defiled because of this.

This type of tradition is one in which their tradition of ceremonial washing because a command on the same level as the rest of Scripture. This bound the consciences of God’s people when in reality his people had the freedom not to do this if they so chose.

Other examples: meat sacrificed to idols; alcohol.

Mark notes in verse 4 that there were many other traditions that they had. Jesus mentions another one of these traditions in verse 10-12. The pharisees would teach that someone could bypass the command to take care of their parents when they are old (the 5th commandment) by dedicating their money to the temple, priesthood, and the jewish elders. Then, in verses 12, Jesus says that they would no longer permit that person to do anything for their father or mother.

This type of tradition is not one which replaces or nullifies a clear command of God, such as honoring their father or mother.

Other examples: divorce, sexuality

vv. 6-13 Christ’s Response

In verses 6-7, Jesus says that the wickedness of the pharisees was foretold in Isaiah 29:13. The pharisees gave lip services to the commands of God, but their heart was far from him. They had ulterior motives. They worshiped God in vain because they taught their own traditions as if they were the word of God itself. In verse 8, Jesus says this amounts to leaving God’s commands, and holding fast to man’s commands.

We must be very careful to command that which is contained in scripture; either that which is explicitly or by necessary inference contained therein.