In what ways might we prioritize tradition over truth, as seen in John 9:29? Setting the Scene John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. When the Pharisees investigate, they struggle to accept the miracle because it challenges their established system. Their statement in John 9:29 exposes a heart that clings to inherited custom rather than divine reality: “We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” (John 9:29) Tradition Elevated Above Truth • The Pharisees assume their ancestral knowledge is complete—“We know…”—implying nothing new can contradict it. • They dismiss clear, present evidence (a man miraculously healed) because it does not fit their framework. • Their loyalty is more to Moses as they interpret him than to God who spoke through Moses. • “Where this man is from” masks a deeper refusal to investigate Jesus’ divine origin. Modern Expressions of the Same Issue • Preferring denominational customs or liturgical forms, even when Scripture teaches differently. • Clinging to family or cultural traditions that dilute or replace biblical commands. • Refusing fresh study because “we’ve always believed this,” rather than checking Scripture (cf. Acts 17:11). • Measuring spiritual legitimacy by institutional endorsement instead of God’s Word. • Guarding personal comfort zones—“the way we’ve always done church”—over obedience to Christ’s clear instructions. Biblical Warnings Against This Pitfall • “Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down.” (Mark 7:13) • “He answered, ‘Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:3) • “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition.” (Colossians 2:8) Safeguards for Keeping Truth First • Test every practice against the whole counsel of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Remain teachable; let God’s Word correct cherished routines. • Prioritize obedience over reputation—Jesus often upended expectations to reveal God’s heart. • Celebrate traditions that reinforce biblical truth, but discard any that conflict with it. • Invite the Holy Spirit to expose blind spots, just as He opened the blind man’s eyes. Living It Out • Examine personal and congregational habits in light of Scripture this week. • When faced with a tension between “what we know” and what the Bible plainly says, choose the Word every time. • Let the healed man’s testimony inspire bold loyalty to truth: “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” (John 9:25) |
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