Backwards

Is it possible to be religious and still miss God’s heart? Jesus confronted leaders who let human tradition quietly override God’s own command.

“You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men … thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do” (Mark 7:8–13).

The Pharisees and scribes considered themselves very religious. They delighted in defining what they felt it meant to follow God and obey His Word, then they tried to enforce their rules on other people.

These influential leaders were bothered when Jesus’ disciples ate “with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed” (v. 2). Like their other rules, this originally may have been well-intentioned, but Jesus said their priorities had become wrong. In the process of focusing on outward appearances, they had become “hypocrites,” honoring God “with their lips” while their heart was “far from me” (v. 6).

They had missed the point of true spirituality. Their rules had become more important than the condition of their heart. Their personal interpretations replaced God’s Word. Their worship was in vain, since they taught their own precepts as doctrine and forced others to live according to their traditions.

We can make the same kinds of mistakes—creating our own rules and reinterpreting God’s Word to fit our own interests and opinions. We can smugly assume He approves of what we do and say—even though we don’t really know His Word or seek Him through prayer.

Don’t be a hypocrite. Place God’s Word above your own opinions. Ask Him to examine your heart and indicate any incorrect standards. Submit every thought and tradition to Him. Make sure you’re living within His rules!

Reflection Question: Ask God if any of your spiritual rules are of your own making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was “Corban,” and how did it nullify God’s command (Mark 7:11)?

Corban meant a gift dedicated to God. Some declared their resources Corban to avoid supporting aging parents, using a religious loophole to sidestep the command to honor father and mother—tradition overriding Scripture.

What is the difference between God’s commands and “the tradition of men”?

Traditions are human customs; they turn harmful when raised to the authority of God’s Word or used to evade it. Jesus did not reject all tradition, but refused to let it displace God’s actual commands.