What is the meaning of Mark 7:8? You have disregarded Jesus speaks directly to religious leaders who have made a habit of pushing aside God’s clear commands. This is not a casual oversight; it is a deliberate choice. • “Disregarded” points to willful neglect (James 1:22–24, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”). • It exposes a heart posture like that warned in Proverbs 28:9: “He who turns his ear away from listening to the law—even his prayer is detestable.” • Mark’s parallel account in Matthew 15:3 echoes the same rebuke: “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”. The Lord sees more than actions; He sees the motives behind them. When we know what God says yet choose another path, we “disregard” Him personally. the commandment of God Here Jesus highlights the supreme authority of Scripture. • God’s commandments are not suggestions (Exodus 20:1–17). They carry His very character and will. • Deuteronomy 6:6–7 instructs parents to teach these commands diligently, implying that God expects them to shape daily life. • Psalm 19:7 reminds us, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” By elevating man-made rules above divine revelation, the leaders undermine the perfection, goodness, and binding nature of God’s Word. to keep “To keep” shows purpose and devotion. The Pharisees held tightly to something—but it was the wrong something. • We all “keep” what we treasure (Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”). • Jesus contrasts two kinds of loyalty: clinging to God’s voice or clinging to human inventions. Both cannot occupy the same throne (Joshua 24:15). • Galatians 1:14 highlights Paul’s former zeal “for the traditions of my fathers,” proving that even passionate religiosity can miss God. Choosing what we keep determines the direction of our worship, our ethics, and ultimately our eternity. the tradition of men Traditions are not inherently bad; Scripture itself affirms sound tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The issue arises when human traditions displace or contradict God’s commands. • Isaiah 29:13 foretold this problem: “This people draw near with their mouths... yet their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.” • Colossians 2:8 warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition… rather than Christ.” • In Mark 7:11–13, Jesus cites the Corban rule as a case study: a man-made loophole that nullified the fifth commandment to honor father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Whenever tradition trumps truth, the result is spiritual bondage, hypocrisy, and a loss of genuine love for God and neighbor. summary Mark 7:8 exposes the danger of exchanging divine command for human custom. Jesus condemns any practice—even long-standing religious practice—that forces us to sideline God’s clear Word. Our calling is to treasure Scripture, obey it wholeheartedly, and evaluate every tradition by its light. In doing so, we keep God’s commandment and honor the One who gave it. |
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