Lesson 6.Inside Out
God’s Commandments Over Traditions: The True Source of Purity and Faith

In this lesson, we are confronted with the fundamental question: What is true faith, and what does it mean to be truly pure before God? Jesus demonstrated through His teachings and actions that true purity and genuine faith are not achieved through external rituals or human traditions, but through a heart that is fully aligned with God’s will.

We will examine how Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their emphasis on human traditions over divine commandments and how He defined true purity as something that comes from within. We will also look at the story of the Syrophoenician woman, which teaches us that faith knows no boundaries and that God’s grace is available to all who come to Him in humility.

Furthermore, we are warned to beware of the “leaven of the Pharisees” – a metaphor for false teachings and influences that can poison our faith. The lesson calls us to remain spiritually vigilant, not to be distracted by superficial worries or false doctrines, and to place our trust in God’s provision, even in seemingly difficult times.

This lesson invites us to examine our own lives and faith to ensure that we do not fall into the trap of hypocrisy and self-deception, but rather live a life rooted in God’s truth and love.

6.1 Human Traditions Versus God’s Commandments
True Piety: God’s Commandments Over Human Traditions

Read Mark 7:1–13. What important lessons are highlighted here?

The passage in Mark 7:1–13 deals with a central theme concerning the confrontation between human traditions and divine commandments. Jesus uses this opportunity to point out the deeper issues underlying the religious practices and traditions of that time.

The religious leaders confront Jesus with the question of why his disciples do not follow the tradition of hand washing. Jesus responds by pointing out a fundamental flaw: people have begun to place their own traditions and rules above the commandments of God. He quotes Isaiah to show that it is possible to honor God outwardly while the heart is far from Him. This discrepancy between outward appearance and inner reality is not only problematic for Jesus but also represents a form of hypocrisy.

Jesus particularly emphasizes the practice of circumventing the commandment to honor one’s parents through a religious tradition. This tradition allowed people to declare financial resources as “corban,” meaning they were dedicated to the temple. These resources were then no longer available to support one’s own parents, which was in direct opposition to the divine commandment.

Jesus’ clear message is that God’s word must always take precedence over human traditions. The Pharisees’ insistence on external rituals such as hand washing as a sign of purity is rejected by Jesus, as true purity and alignment with God’s will are found in the heart and in obedience to His commandments, not in the blind observance of inherited rituals. Jesus thereby sets a clear priority: divine commandments take precedence over human traditions, especially when the latter contradict the former.

Could it be that we have some “traditions” that might contradict the principles of God’s law? If so, what might they be?

Yes, it is quite possible that there are religious or societal traditions today that contradict the principles of God’s law. Here are some examples:

1. Ritualism over true worship: In some faith communities, rituals and traditions, such as specific prayers or services, may become so prominent that they seem more important than an inner relationship with God. When the focus is more on fulfilling external rites than on the condition of the heart, this can stand in opposition to the command of sincere worship.

2. Cultural practices over biblical principles: In many cultures, there are traditions that may conflict with biblical principles. For example, societal norms that place power, wealth, or status above all else can contradict the biblical principles of humility, love for others, and justice.

3. Materialism and consumerism: In our modern society, great value is often placed on material possessions and consumption. This tradition can be at odds with God’s commandments, which emphasize generosity, simplicity, and caring for the needy. The pursuit of wealth and possessions can easily become a priority that pushes spiritual values into the background.

4. Family and societal structures: There are traditions in families and societies that undermine the equality and dignity of all people as taught in the Bible. For example, patriarchal traditions that view women or children as less valuable may contradict the biblical principles of equality and love for all people.

5. Laws and norms that hinder charity: There are legal or social traditions that may conflict with the commandment of charity. For example, bureaucratic obstacles or social prejudices may prevent people in need from receiving the help that they are entitled to according to the principles of the Bible.

6. Traditional views on forgiveness and reconciliation: In some cultures, there are traditions that promote revenge or holding on to hostilities. This is in opposition to the biblical commandments of forgiveness and reconciliation.

It is important for believers to regularly examine their traditions and practices in the light of biblical teachings to ensure that they do not inadvertently fall into the error of placing human traditions above God’s commandments, as Jesus criticized in Mark 7:1–13.

The teachings from Mark 7:1–13 and the discussion on human traditions versus God’s commandments have a deep connection to our daily lives and faith. They challenge us to question and examine our own traditions, habits, and practices to see if they truly align with the principles and commandments of God.

Connection to Our Daily Lives:

1. Authenticity in worship: In our daily lives, it is easy to focus on religious rituals or traditions without examining our hearts and our inner relationship with God. The challenge is to ensure that our worship is not only external but comes from a sincere heart that truly seeks God’s will.

2. Setting priorities: The teaching reminds us that God’s commandments should always take precedence over cultural or societal norms. In a world that often emphasizes material success, status, or power, we are called to align our priorities with biblical values—such as humility, love for others, and justice.

3. Self-examination and reflection: It is important to regularly reflect on and examine whether there are traditions or habits in our lives that contradict God’s commandments. This self-examination helps us stay spiritually vigilant and avoid the trap of hypocrisy, where outward piety seems more important than the heart.

4. Living forgiveness and reconciliation: The call to place biblical principles like forgiveness and reconciliation above cultural traditions of revenge or hostility has direct implications for our relationships in everyday life. We are called to seek peace and reconciliation, even when it goes against cultural or family traditions.

Connection to Our Faith:

1. God’s Word as the standard: The story in Mark shows that God’s Word is the highest standard for our lives. In our faith, we should always strive to place God’s commandments above human traditions or interpretations. This requires deep study of the Bible and the willingness to align our lives with it.

2. Spiritual vigilance: The warning against replacing divine commandments with human traditions calls us to spiritual vigilance. It encourages us to always seek God’s will in our faith life and to critically examine human traditions.

3. Community and teaching: In our faith community, it is important that we encourage one another to place God’s commandments at the center. Teachings and practices should be regularly examined in the light of Scripture to ensure that they truly align with what God requires of us.

In summary, this passage calls us to place God’s commandments above human traditions in both our personal lives and our faith. This alignment helps us to live authentically, take our faith seriously, and place God’s principles first in all areas of our lives.

Always place God’s commandments above human traditions, for true piety springs from a sincere heart that seeks His will.

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