Traditions and Commandments (MAT 15:1-9)

[15:1] Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,

[15:2] “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”

[15:3] He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

[15:4] For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’

[15:5] But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,”

[15:6] he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.

[15:7] You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:

[15:8] “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

[15:9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”