What is the meaning of Matthew 15:2? Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? - The challenge comes from Pharisees and scribes (see Matthew 15:1) who elevate man-made customs to the same level as God’s Word—something Jesus consistently rejects (Mark 7:6–9). - Their question reveals a heart more concerned with preserving human tradition than honoring divine command (Isaiah 29:13). - By framing the issue as a “break” with the elders, they imply moral failure, yet the only true standard of righteousness is God’s revealed law (Deuteronomy 4:2, Psalm 19:7). - Jesus will soon expose that these same leaders, while scrupulous about tradition, “set aside the command of God to uphold your tradition” (Mark 7:9), illustrating how human rules can distract from obedience to Scripture. They do not wash their hands - This was a ceremonial practice added by rabbis, not a command from Moses (Mark 7:3–4). - The washing symbolized ritual purity rather than hygiene; neglecting it was viewed as defilement—but only by tradition, not by God (Luke 11:38). - Scripture consistently teaches that genuine purity is inward: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). - Jesus later declares, “It is not what enters the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth” (Matthew 15:11), redirecting attention from external rites to the condition of the heart. before they eat. - Eating was—and is—an everyday necessity, making this accusation practical and frequent; the leaders are policing daily habits rather than fostering true godliness (Romans 14:17). - By targeting mealtime, they attempt to assert continuous control over the lives of God’s people through added regulations (Acts 15:10). - Jesus’ response in the verses that follow underscores that spiritual contamination stems from sinful thoughts and actions, not unwashed hands or food (Matthew 15:18–20). - Believers are reminded that “food does not bring us nearer to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do” (1 Corinthians 8:8). summary Matthew 15:2 records a confrontation where religious leaders accuse Jesus’ disciples of sin because they ignore a human tradition of ritual handwashing. The verse showcases the danger of elevating man-made rules above God’s Word and points forward to Jesus’ teaching that true defilement is a matter of the heart, not external ceremony. |
    |