Mark 7:1-23
Q .1. What were the traditions of the elders? What prompted the question of the Scribes and Pharisees? Why did Jesus object to their religion? How did they dishonour God? – (Mk.7:1-13)
The Scribes and Pharisees criticized the disciples of Jesus for failing to wash their hands ceremonially. The traditions of the elders were not just hygienic guidelines, but were showy ritual washings, that went way beyond what was needed to clean their hands. They went through these laborious routines publicly, to show how ‘pleasing they were to God’. Mark commented that– there are many other things they have received in order to observe such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots (Mk.7:4). Jesus was not impressed and exposed their hypocrisy. He charged them with – neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men … You are experts at setting aside the commandments of God in order to keep your tradition (Mk.7:8-9). Jesus applied Isaiah’s words to them, since they were like a previous generation who worshiped God with their lips, while their hearts were far from Him (Mk.7:6-7 c.f. Isa.29:13). Jesus then pointed to their failure to obey the Word of God. In the Law, God had made provision for honouring and caring for our parents (Exo.20:12). However, these men would cancel out the obligation to their parents, by placing their funds under CORBAN. This freed them from any responsibilities to their parents, and they could use their money for themselves, in pursuing their religious duties (Mk.7:10-12). Jesus called it what it for what it was. He denounced them for – invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that (Mk.7:13).
Q.2. How did Jesus approach the problem of defilement? What further explanation did Jesus give His disciples? How bad is our problem of personal pollution? Should we still follow the ceremonial laws? – (Mk.7:14-23)
Jesus put Judaism’s view of spiritual defilement from external things into perspective. He stated that – the things which proceed out of a man are what defile him (Mk.7:15). Because He had used a parable about the body, Jesus explained to His disciples in private – 18 … Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated? … That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man (Mk.7:19 & 21-23). Jesus painted a horrible, yet accurate picture of mankind’s plight before a holy God. Judaism was totally unable to address the real problem, by using its external rules and regulations. In the process of confronting the religious leaders, Jesus brought in a new understanding of the ceremonial requirements. Mark summed this up – … Thus, He declared all foods clean (Mk.7:19). Jesus would go on to simplify God’s law, with the requirement of loving God with all we are, and with loving others as we love ourselves (Mk.12:28-31).