How does Matthew 15:5 relate to the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12? Key Passages Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Matthew 15:5: “But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ …” What Jesus Is Exposing • The Pharisees had developed a tradition—often called “Corban” (cf. Mark 7:11)—in which someone could pledge money or property to God and thus declare it unavailable for parental support. • By invoking that tradition, a person could look pious while sidestepping tangible responsibility to aging parents. • Jesus points out that such maneuvering “nullifies the word of God” (Matthew 15:6) because it directly clashes with the Fifth Commandment’s call to honor father and mother. Honor Defined by Scripture, Not Tradition • “Honor” in Exodus 20:12 carries the idea of weightiness—treating parents as people of great importance and worth. • That honor involves respectful speech (Proverbs 30:17), obedience in youth (Ephesians 6:1), and material care when needed (1 Timothy 5:4, 8). • Any tradition—religious or cultural—that excuses neglect violates the commandment, no matter how spiritual it appears. How Matthew 15:5 Relates to Exodus 20:12 1. Reinforces the Command – Jesus quotes the command verbatim (Matthew 15:4), affirming its continuing authority. 2. Clarifies Its Scope – Honor is not mere lip service; it includes financial and practical support. 3. Exposes Human Loopholes – Traditions that undermine God’s law reveal hearts more committed to self than to God or family. 4. Highlights True Worship – Genuine devotion to God is shown by loving obedience, not by offerings that cost us nothing relationally. Takeaways for Today • Examine practices—even long-standing ones—to be sure they align with clear biblical commands. • Provide for parents as an act of worship; caring for them is caring for Christ (Matthew 25:40). • Teach children that honoring parents is foundational to a stable, blessed life (Ephesians 6:2-3). • Remember that honoring parents does not end when we leave home; it continues as they age. Complementary Scriptures • Proverbs 23:22—“Listen to your father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old.” • 1 Timothy 5:4—“If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn first to show godliness to their own household and to repay their parents; for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” • Ephesians 6:1-3—Paul reaffirms the Fifth Commandment and attaches its promise to New Covenant believers. |
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