Matthew 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother" ..... 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the traditions that are practiced by people, including Christians, should always bear the signet of heaven. In this particular instance, Jesus drew a stark contrast to the petty tradition of the ceremonial washing of hands, a practice that was not only done for hygienic reasons, but also because the Scribes and Pharisees believed that they could be defiled by coming into contact with certain persons on account of their ethnic origins. And while they were sticklers for traditions that were minute, insignificant, and in many cases downright unnecessary, they were at the same time requiring compliance from the people in matters that were directly contrary to the principles of the moral law.
The practice referred to by Christ in the above passage was called Corban, in which individuals were allowed, and even encouraged to leave their inheritance and material blessings with the church, whilst their aged parents were left to suffer want, hunger, and care. The practice of itself had its foundation in selfishness, for persons who decided to go this route were then relieved of the responsibility of caring for mom and dad in their old age, and because of this ungodly tradition, many aged parents went down to their graves, laden with sadness, on account of the cruel treatment meted out by their offspring.
This tradition thus drew a sharp response from Christ who had given the moral law as a safeguard to our relationship between God and man. The fifth commandment in the Decalogue requires that Children honor their parents not only by showing them due respect and consideration, but also by tangible support in their old age when they are no longer able to provide for, and take care of themselves. This law encourages children to show their gratitude to their fathers and mothers for the sacrifices made in their upbringing, a process which is accomplished only at considerable cost and effort on the part of parents, and this is one reason why the law was written with a promise to those who comply with its just requirements. Let's read:
Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
As Christians we should be very careful that in our observing of traditions we do not forget the weightier matters of the law like kindness, mercy, love, and gratitude, but instead go for a whole round of unnecessary ceremonies that are not required by God, and that are not beneficial to anyone. There are many Christian churches that now celebrate Halloween, a tradition that is steeped in witchcraft, while the weightier matters of obedience to all of God's commandments, and mercy to the less fortunate are looked upon as being nonessential. These attitudes and practices which are directly contrary to biblical principles should be evaluated for what they really are, and where reforms and changes are necessary, they should be implemented without delay.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls on us to check our priorities and get them in order, for God cannot be pleased with the observance of numerous traditions, whilst the more serious issues that pertain to the salvation of our fellowmen, sit idly on the back burner. Let's read:
Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. "for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
May the necessary changes in our priorities begin today where applicable, for God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. God bless!