Sermon Tone Analysis

Misnah!

Mishnah is the oral tradition of Jews passed down, they form the first part of the Talmud.

The Talmud the body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law and legend comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara.

Jesus in our passage today speaks out against tradition when it takes precedence over the Word of God.

Jesus had issues with leaders previously over traditions (Mk2:23-28)

And today we will see eating with unwashed hands (Mk7:1-13)

Jesus will describe the danger of traditions

How keeping tradition can void the very command of God

How keeping them can make our worship vain.

Traditions have a serious place in some religious groups, actions.

Now in Roman Catholicism, tradition is placed on par with God’s Word.

But don’t take my word for it, listen to this from Catholic Dictionary (pg 41-42)

“It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican Council that Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct from Scripture, and that it is infallible.”

“It is therefore to be received with the same internal assent of scripture, for it is the Word of God.”

In some denominations you can find creeds that you are called to adhere too.

Like.

T: total depravity.

This doesn't mean people are as bad as they can be.

It means that sin is in every part of one's being, including the mind and will, so that a man cannot save himself.

U: unconditional election.

God chooses to save people unconditionally; that is, they are not chosen on the basis of their own merit.

L: limited atonement.

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was for the purpose of saving the elect.

I: irresistible grace.

When God has chosen to save someone, He will.

P: perseverence of the saints.

Those people God chooses cannot lose their salvation; they will continue to believe.

If they fall away, it will be only for a time.

To be a member of a particular denomination, one must accept its traditions.

So as we journey today, we are going to look at

What are traditions?

Are traditions always wrong?

If not, when does a tradition become sinful?

People were being healed, there was no denying it, now the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisee’s) were finding fault with Jesus because of His disciples not keeping tradition as laid out in the 65 pages of the Mishnah.

Interesting fact, Pharisee’s where did they come from?

Well they emerged during the inter-testimonial period, a 300 year period when God stopped talking, but not working.

This is after Malachi and before Matthew.

The Jews were afraid that their religion was going to be polluted and paganized.

The Pharisee (meaning separated ones) were devoted to keeping the most minute detail of the law and the traditions of the elders.

Unfortunately, and you will see in our passage today, that the tradition of the elders became more important than the Law itself that came from God.

It was once said

“He who expounds the Scripture in opposition to the tradition of the elders will have no part in the world to come.”

So now, may we look at the passage.

Mk7:7-8

So, what did you see, what did you notice, what sticks out to you?

Tradition: The Meaning

Paradosis: (Greek) meaning to “give over to” or “handing down.”

Tradition is the teaching that is handed down either by word (orally) or in writing.

So now, in looking at what it meant to the Jews and the Roman/Greek Catholics, then what does the scripture have to say about it.

3862 parádosis (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and 1325 /dídōmi, "give ... 2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing

Believed to be the oral teaching of the elders from Moses down.

Broken into three classes

Oral laws: Additions to the written laws

Decisions: This is by various judges which set precedents in judicial matters.

Interpretations: From highly respected Rabbis held in reverence along with the scripture

Paul was a stanch believer, supporter of Jewish tradition prior to his conversion

As understood by Roman/Greek Catholics

Views similar, or inline with Jews.

They considered tradition to be the teaching of

Jesus and Apostles, preserved orally vs. written

Of various councils (like Nicene) which left several decrees

Of various church leaders (i.e.

Pope) considered to be “inspired” and who claim special revelation from God

Now, it must be said that some want you to believe that it is from God and is inspired with no proof or evidence.

Jesus had proof, the Apostles had proof but others, well, just take their word.

You have been taught, reminded, time and time again to check out anything you are taught to make sure it is from the Word not man.

Now how about we get to some scripture and what scripture says.

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As found in the scripture

Word “tradition” in context used is not found in the Old Testament

Is found 3 times referring to the apostolic teaching (1COr11:2; 2The2:15; 2The3:6)

Found 10 times referring to the “traditions of the elders” or “the traditions of men” (Mk7:3-13; Mt15:2-6 are a couple of them)

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A few little things about traditions and scripture

Word is not found in the Old Testament under definition given

Used 3 times regarding the Apostolic teaching

Like this found in 1COr

Delivered in word or in person (2The2:15)

And if inspired given by word or in person they were expected to keep

Paul warned the Colossians about the traditions of man

Reminding the Christians who had been set free from the oppression of the Law

Jesus did not feel bound by “traditions of elders.”

Some He kept (Jn2:1-2; Jn10:22-23)

Going to wedding feast (expand on culture; expectation when it came to wedding feast) - Jn2:1-2

Going to required festivals (i.e.

feast of dedication) - Jn10:22-23

Others He did not (Mk2:23-28; Mk7:1-5)

Others he gaveno

Plucking grain on the Sabbath -Mk2:23-28

Or in our passage today, eating with unwashed hands - Mk7:1-5

You will not find that Jesus appealed to “the tradition of the elders;” he always would appeal to the authority of the written word of God or his own authority as the Son of God; Son of Man.

Now, don’t get me wrong not all traditions are wrong, bad, sin.

For example if handed down by inspired men they were to be heeded, kept.

(2The2:15); but if contrary to the Word of God, the commands of God then they were the traditions of man and not of God and there are dangers to look out for.

Dangers of traditions of men

Here are some warnings, some dangers of the traditions of men.

Lead to ritualism that is not scriptural

Can you think of something that is done ritually but is not scriptural?

Or rituals done so often, repeatedly that there is no thought, no teaching on the origin or the purpose.

Can you think of any example on this? (Lord’s Supper)

Ri

Worship without heart or mind is hypocritical, or as Jesus said “vain worship” (Mk7:5-8)