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Ask God: Time for a checkup: What governs your life, the Word of God or tradition? Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

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Good Evening Reader,

I hope you have had a good week and God continues to bless you.

Today, we will compare tradition with God's Word.

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Entering God's Presence by

Seeking God’s Word ,Not Man’s Traditions

When exploring Matthew 15:1-20, you might consider how your actions and words reflect your heart's true state and how your true state affects your relationship with God.

Jesus challenges us to move beyond mere traditions and embrace genuine relationships with God and others. Sometimes, it is easy to let your heart follow what the world is doing instead of holding fast to the Word.

This Scripture passage invites you to ponder your heart’s alignment with the Word of God. Are rituals overshadowing your walk with God? Discover how a pure heart impacts your life and your faith journey.

The Disciples Break with the Tradition of the Elders

"Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread" (Matthew 15:1-2).

Although traditions can be very beneficial in our lives, they can also be carried too far, even putting tradition ahead of the Word. It is good to examine traditions, especially those that may overshadow God's teachings.

In this verse, notice what they said: "tradition of the elders"—not the Law of Moses.

This was not part of the Law of Moses. Handwashing before meals was a man-made tradition—a ceremonial ritual added over time by religious leaders. The Law of Moses required priests to wash in specific ways before making offerings (Exodus 30:17–21), but not every day before Jews ate regular meals.

The Pharisees and religious leaders always sought to find Jesus violating any law. This act was about defying an oral tradition rather than the Law.

Jesus wants us to know the importance of understanding the presence of God in our lives over merely following rituals. When we focus on Jesus' teachings, we're reminded that a genuine relationship with God transcends tradition.

The Elders Avoided Honoring Father and Mother

" Jesus answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"— then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition" (Verses 3-6).

Jesus points out how the elders missed the mark. They found ways to avoid honoring their fathers and mothers, which is essential to God's purpose.

The Pharisees had developed a tradition where they could declare their possessions or money "dedicated to God"; therefore, they wouldn't have to use it to help anyone else—including their own parents. "Giving to God" may sound good, but their act violated God’s commandments to honor father and mother.

Instead of following the commandments, they made excuses, using religious traditions to justify their actions. It's not enough to say you're following God; your heart and actions must align with what the Holy Spirit guides.

Honoring your parents is a clear command from God and shows your commitment to God. By sidestepping this, the elders missed the true intent of God's law.

These People's Hearts are Far from God

" Hypocrites! Well, did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

'These people draw near to Me with their mouths,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men' " (Verses 7-9).

Jesus highlights a deep issue with the people He addresses. Despite their outward religious practices, their hearts are far from God. Jesus wasn't just criticizing their behavior. He was exposing their hearts.

You might look at these people and see them performing all the proper rituals. They pray, they attend services, and they follow many rules.

However, Jesus pointed out their true condition. Their worship was merely lip service. It lacked sincerity and genuine connection with God.

When traditions replace a heartfelt relationship, it creates a spiritual distance. You can see this problem even today.

It reminds us to examine our own hearts. Are our actions merely routine? God desires more than just external observance.

He wants a relationship where your heart truly seeks to be close to Him.

What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles a Man

"When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man" (Verse 10).

It's not about what you eat or if you wash your hands. Jesus taught that what really matters is what comes out of your mouth. Words can reveal what's hidden inside your heart. If you speak with love and kindness, it shows a heart aligned with God.

But harsh words, gossip, or lies reflect a deeper issue. Your words can uplift or hurt others, indicating your spirit's true state.

We need to think before we speak. Are our words building up or tearing down? Always strive to keep your heart close to God, and let your words reflect His love and truth.

Jesus Explains the Parable

Jesus explains that it's not what you eat that makes you unclean, but what comes out of your mouth. What you say reflects what's in your heart. When harmful thoughts, words, and actions come out, they usually come from the heart.

The emphasis isn't on ritual or tradition but on true intentions and love. This parable teaches you to reflect on how your thoughts and words shape your character and relationship with God.

Summary of the Benefits for Christians

Embracing the lesson of the parable can deeply enrich your Christian journey. It invites you to focus on the purity of your heart rather than just outward rituals.

Understand what emerges from your heart matters more than surface acts. Seek to align your words with God's purpose and will. This perspective encourages sincere faith practices, fostering a genuine connection with God.

By observing Jesus' teachings, we experience growth in compassion and authenticity, which positively impacts relationships. We cultivate a community grounded in love and honesty by prioritizing internal spirituality over external appearances.

Conclusion

In reflecting on Matthew 15:1-20, remember that having a heart close to God means going beyond rituals to nurture genuine relationships. It's not about external practices, but about sincere hearts and honoring commitments like those to your parents.

Your words reveal your spiritual state, so speak thoughtfully. By focusing on what's within, you'll build authentic connections with God and your community, fostering a life of true worship and meaningful relationships. Keep your heart pure and your intentions true.

Elvin

God's Word or Tradition?

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net

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