In Mark 7 the disciples of Jesus did not hold to the traditions of the elders, bringing condemnation upon themselves by the Pharisees. The Pharisees asked Jesus in V5 “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” NKJV They were not scolding them for being unsanitary, but for failed adherence to a ceremonial washing, which was not a law of GOD. This tradition of the Pharisees became a problem when they attempted to bind it on others, suggesting those who did not keep it were in sin.
This likewise became a problem because they allowed their tradition to surpass the actual commands of GOD. Because they had taken a commandment of GOD and made it of no effect via their tradition, Jesus calls them hypocrites.
“You have made the word of God of no effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do you.” Mark 7:13
(GNB) “In this way the teaching you pass on to others cancels out the word of God. And there are many other things like this that you do.”
(GW) Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority of God’s word. And you do many other things like that.”
(ISV) You are destroying the word of God through your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many other things like that.”
When traditions become the law: 1. We honor GOD with our lips, but our heart is far from Him… 2. We vainly worship Him… 3. We teach the commandments of men as the doctrine of GOD… 4. We reject the commandments of GOD… 5. We make the word of GOD of no effect in our lives…
Prospering Pathway 
Leave a comment