“Then Pharisees and experts in the law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and said, ‘Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat.’ He answered them, ‘And why do you disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, “Honor your father and mother” and “Whoever insults his father or mother must be put to death.” But you say, “If someone tells his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you would have received from me is given to God,’” he does not need to honor his father. You have nullified the word of God on account of your tradition. Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, and they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’’” —Matthew 15:1–9
Here we see Jesus reprimanding the Pharisees and teachers of the law for basing their religion on tradition and human rules rather than a relationship with and a love for God. The religious leaders insisted on obedience to their own laws, emphasizing religious rites and ceremonies.
The Pharisees were filled with pride in their positions. The religion of the Pharisees was one of right behavior, but in all reality, it was hypocritical. Their hearts were far from God. Consequently, their worship was futile and fruitless. And today, the Pharisees are still alive and well. Those who are most zealous for their own rules are often careless with God’s desires. When human inventions are tacked on to God’s law and imposed accordingly, it makes for a lifeless religion … and it gets you nowhere fast! These religious leaders failed to understand that God was aware of their motives. They honored God with all the right words and actions while their hearts remained far from Him. We might fool others—perhaps even ourselves—but we will never fool God. He knows our motives and judges the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day the Israelites described by Jeremiah:
“The LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel says to the people of Judah: ‘You might as well go ahead and add the meat of your burnt offerings to that of the other sacrifices and eat it, too! Consider this: When I spoke to your ancestors after I brought them out of Egypt, I did not merely give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices. I also explicitly commanded them: “Obey me. If you do, I will be your God and you will be my people. Live exactly the way I tell you and things will go well with you.” But they did not listen to me or pay any attention to me. They followed the stubborn inclinations of their own wicked hearts. They acted worse and worse instead of better. From the time your ancestors departed the land of Egypt until now, I sent my servants the prophets to you again and again, day after day. But your ancestors did not listen to me nor pay attention to me. They became obstinate and were more wicked than even their own forefathers.’” —Jeremiah 7:21–26
The worship of these religious leaders ended in vanity. It did not attain the end for which it was appointed nor did it please God. God desires that we worship Him in spirit and in trutht.
Become More
“But Jesus said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God’s sight.’” —Luke 16:15
“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you tocarry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently beforeyour God.” —Micah 6:8
Further Reflection
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10, ESV
“All a
person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluateshis thoughts.—Proverbs 21:2