How can we ensure our practices align with biblical teachings in Matthew 15:6? Setting the Scene Matthew 15 records a clash between Jesus and the Pharisees over their man-made tradition called “Corban.” Instead of financially supporting their aging parents, people could declare their resources “given to God,” freeing them from the command to honor father and mother. Jesus exposes the problem: “‘He need not honor his father or mother with it.’ Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6) What Jesus Confronted • A tradition that sounded spiritual but directly contradicted God’s explicit command (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). • A heart posture that valued human approval and convenience over obedience to God. • A subtle redefining of obedience—keeping the letter of a self-made rule while breaking the clear letter and spirit of Scripture. Core Principles for Us Today • Scripture is the final, sufficient, and literal authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Every practice, ritual, or habit must flow from and agree with God’s written word. • Obedience must reach both actions and motives (Mark 7:6-8). • Traditions are helpful only when they serve, not silence, God’s commands. Practical Steps to Align Our Practices 1. Compare everything with clear biblical teaching. – Ask: Does this practice uphold or undercut God’s commands, as the Corban rule did? 2. Trace the fruit. – If a custom leads to neglect of parents, injustice, or hypocrisy, it conflicts with Scripture (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27). 3. Keep primary commands primary. – “Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2-3) is non-negotiable; no spiritual sounding excuse overrides it. 4. Practice humble repentance. – When exposed, the right response is to abandon unscriptural habits, not defend them (Proverbs 28:13). 5. Seek counsel from the whole counsel of God. – Study parallel passages (Mark 7:9-13) and balanced teaching rather than isolated verses. 6. Welcome accountability. – Fellow believers can help reveal blind spots (Hebrews 3:13). Areas to Evaluate • Family obligations vs. religious busy-ness • Financial stewardship vs. outward “offerings” that mask selfishness • Cultural customs that pressure us to ignore biblical directives • Church traditions that subtly replace Scripture’s plain meaning Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception…rather than on Christ.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Living It Out By measuring every practice—personal, familial, or congregational—against the straightforward commands of Scripture, we keep from repeating the Pharisees’ mistake. Honoring God’s word above all traditions safeguards authentic obedience and helps us live in the freedom and integrity Jesus desires. |
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