Mark 7:9-13
Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do. – Mark 7:13
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The Pharisees strictly observed the Law of Moses, along with many additional traditions passed down over time. The scribes—most of whom were Pharisees—were tasked with teaching and interpreting God’s Word, especially the first five books of the Bible. Yet Jesus rebuked this group, who so diligently studied and taught God’s law, for “setting aside the commandment of God in order to establish their tradition” (v. 9).
This raises a piercing question: Did they truly understand what they were teaching? Or had their traditions become more important to them than God’s Word itself?
We all know how repulsive it is when someone says one thing but does another. How much worse when those entrusted with teaching God’s Word fall into such hypocrisy! It is no wonder Jesus spoke so sharply against them:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.“ (Matthew 23:27-28)
God had long ago commanded through Moses: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12)—the first commandment that speaks to our relationships with others. But Jesus exposed how the Pharisees twisted this: “But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban” (that is, given to God)—then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother’” (vv. 11–12).
“Corban” referred to something set apart as a vow offering to God. Once declared Corban, it could no longer be used for any other purpose, even to care for one’s parents. In this way, the Pharisees allowed people to sidestep their God-given responsibility to honour and care for their parents, all under the guise of religious devotion.
What a tragic scene: parents in need standing right before them, yet their children (who knew God’s law) looked away, justifying their neglect as “religious duty.” How easily the human heart can hide behind rituals while resisting true obedience to God’s commands! This is the spiritual blindness Jesus was confronting.
Reflection:
Do I use acts like financial giving or church attendance to ease guilt over sin without genuine repentance? Do I maintain an outwardly “spiritual” image while secretly harbouring sin, bitterness, pride, or unbelief? Is my life consistent, inside and out?
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, shine Your light upon us always and examine our hearts. Do not allow us to live in the illusion of faith: possessing a “spiritual” exterior without true submission before You. Help Your children live lives that are consistent inside and out; to glorify You and bring blessings to others. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Click to read
The Pharisees strictly observed the Law of Moses, along with many additional traditions passed down over time. The scribes—most of whom were Pharisees—were tasked with teaching and interpreting God’s Word, especially the first five books of the Bible. Yet Jesus rebuked this group, who so diligently studied and taught God’s law, for “setting aside the commandment of God in order to establish their tradition” (v. 9).
This raises a piercing question: Did they truly understand what they were teaching? Or had their traditions become more important to them than God’s Word itself?
We all know how repulsive it is when someone says one thing but does another. How much worse when those entrusted with teaching God’s Word fall into such hypocrisy! It is no wonder Jesus spoke so sharply against them:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.“ (Matthew 23:27-28)
God had long ago commanded through Moses: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12)—the first commandment that speaks to our relationships with others. But Jesus exposed how the Pharisees twisted this: “But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban” (that is, given to God)—then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother’” (vv. 11–12).
“Corban” referred to something set apart as a vow offering to God. Once declared Corban, it could no longer be used for any other purpose, even to care for one’s parents. In this way, the Pharisees allowed people to sidestep their God-given responsibility to honour and care for their parents, all under the guise of religious devotion.
What a tragic scene: parents in need standing right before them, yet their children (who knew God’s law) looked away, justifying their neglect as “religious duty.” How easily the human heart can hide behind rituals while resisting true obedience to God’s commands! This is the spiritual blindness Jesus was confronting.
Reflection:
Do I use acts like financial giving or church attendance to ease guilt over sin without genuine repentance? Do I maintain an outwardly “spiritual” image while secretly harbouring sin, bitterness, pride, or unbelief? Is my life consistent, inside and out?
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, shine Your light upon us always and examine our hearts. Do not allow us to live in the illusion of faith: possessing a “spiritual” exterior without true submission before You. Help Your children live lives that are consistent inside and out; to glorify You and bring blessings to others. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.