Matthew 15:3 - He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
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What does "Matthew 15:3" mean?
In Matthew 15:3, Jesus is confronting the Pharisees and scribes, who were Jewish religious leaders known for their strict adherence to traditions. He's accusing them of prioritizing their own traditions and interpretations over God's actual commandments. Let's break it down:
"He answered them...": Jesus is responding to a question or challenge the Pharisees and scribes posed to him. In the preceding verses (Matthew 15:1-2), they questioned why his disciples didn't follow the tradition of washing hands before eating.
"Why do you also disobey the commandment of God...": This is the core of Jesus's rebuke. He's saying that they are the ones breaking God's laws, not his disciples.
"...because of your tradition?": This is the key accusation. The Pharisees weren't simply following harmless customs. Jesus argues that they were twisting or even nullifying God's direct commands in order to uphold their own man-made traditions.
In essence, Jesus is pointing out hypocrisy. He's saying they are so focused on meticulously keeping their traditions that they are neglecting or even violating the more important commandments of God.
Example: In the verses that follow (Matthew 15:4-6), Jesus gives a specific example: the tradition of Corban. Under this tradition, someone could declare their property "dedicated to God" (Corban), which in effect meant they wouldn't use it to help their parents. This tradition, while seemingly pious, allowed them to avoid the clear commandment to honor and support their parents. Jesus is highlighting that their "religious" tradition was actually used to justify disobeying a direct command from God.
Key takeaway: The verse highlights the danger of prioritizing human traditions over God's word. It serves as a reminder that religious rules and customs should always be subordinate to and in alignment with the core principles and commands of God. It prompts us to examine whether our own traditions, beliefs, and practices are truly honoring God or if they are leading us to compromise on his teachings.
Matthew 15:3 - He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
What does "Matthew 15:3" mean?
In Matthew 15:3, Jesus is confronting the Pharisees and scribes, who were Jewish religious leaders known for their strict adherence to traditions. He's accusing them of prioritizing their own traditions and interpretations over God's actual commandments. Let's break it down:
"He answered them...": Jesus is responding to a question or challenge the Pharisees and scribes posed to him. In the preceding verses (Matthew 15:1-2), they questioned why his disciples didn't follow the tradition of washing hands before eating.
"Why do you also disobey the commandment of God...": This is the core of Jesus's rebuke. He's saying that they are the ones breaking God's laws, not his disciples.
"...because of your tradition?": This is the key accusation. The Pharisees weren't simply following harmless customs. Jesus argues that they were twisting or even nullifying God's direct commands in order to uphold their own man-made traditions.
In essence, Jesus is pointing out hypocrisy. He's saying they are so focused on meticulously keeping their traditions that they are neglecting or even violating the more important commandments of God.
Example: In the verses that follow (Matthew 15:4-6), Jesus gives a specific example: the tradition of Corban. Under this tradition, someone could declare their property "dedicated to God" (Corban), which in effect meant they wouldn't use it to help their parents. This tradition, while seemingly pious, allowed them to avoid the clear commandment to honor and support their parents. Jesus is highlighting that their "religious" tradition was actually used to justify disobeying a direct command from God.
Key takeaway: The verse highlights the danger of prioritizing human traditions over God's word. It serves as a reminder that religious rules and customs should always be subordinate to and in alignment with the core principles and commands of God. It prompts us to examine whether our own traditions, beliefs, and practices are truly honoring God or if they are leading us to compromise on his teachings.