What is the meaning of Matthew 15:5? But you say Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes, contrasting their words with God’s command. • He has just quoted the Mosaic law: “Honor your father and mother” (Matthew 15:4, Exodus 20:12). • By opening with “But you say,” He spotlights the human tradition that undermines God’s direct revelation (Isaiah 29:13, Colossians 2:8). • The Lord is exposing a pattern: elevating man-made rules above divine authority (Mark 7:8-9). That if anyone The tradition was presented as universally applicable—anyone could invoke it. • “Anyone” implies no exceptions; every son or daughter might adopt this loophole. • The broad scope highlights how pervasive and accepted the practice had become (Luke 11:46). Says to his father or mother The context is filial responsibility. • Scripture repeatedly charges children to honor, respect, and care for parents (Proverbs 23:22; 1 Timothy 5:4). • Jesus reminds His listeners that honoring parents is not merely ceremonial but practical, involving tangible support (Ephesians 6:2-3). Whatever you would have received from me Here, “whatever” refers to material or financial assistance aging parents reasonably expected. • God’s design includes family care as a primary safety net (Genesis 45:11). • Withholding such help violates both the fifth commandment and the command to love neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). Is a gift devoted to God The Pharisaic rule, commonly labeled “Corban” (see Mark 7:11-12), claimed a pious intent. • Money or property was verbally pledged to the temple, making it off-limits for parental support—though often still usable by the pledger until death. • Jesus exposes the hypocrisy: a religious veneer masks selfishness (Matthew 23:23-24). • By nullifying parental care, the tradition voided God’s Word, inviting divine rebuke (1 Samuel 15:22). summary Matthew 15:5 reveals how a man-made tradition allowed people to sidestep God’s clear command to honor and provide for parents. Jesus condemns any practice—no matter how “religious”—that excuses disobedience to Scripture. True devotion to God never contradicts or cancels loving, tangible responsibility toward family. |
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