“You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!" Mark 7:9
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 7:1-23. Excerpts from the second (of three) division (vv9-13):
- The title for the first division is: "Legalists Make Void the Word of God, Resulting in Spiritual Disobedience."
- "Not all traditions are bad. They become bad when we put them on the same level as Scripture or in the place of Scripture. It is a “Bible-plus” kind of religion. In adding to the Bible, you for all practical purposes make void the Bible and nullify its truth and power in your life (v. 13). Jesus makes this crystal clear as He moves into round two with the Pharisees."
- "They set aside what is the revealed Word of God and replace it with “made up” traditions of men....First, they teach the commands of men (v7). Then they leave the commands of God (v8). Next they reject the commands of God (v9). And finally they make void the Word of God (v13)."
- Jesus responds to the Pharisees by referring us to Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 21:17, and Leviticus 20:9 where the text commands us to honor our mother and father.
- "However, the Pharisees created a theological loophole. They simply declared what they would have given to their parents “Corban,” a Hebrew term referring to “a gift dedicated to God.” This allowed them to dishonor their parents by neglecting their needs, but they still feel good about it because it was done in service to God."
God's Word is perfect and inerrant - and reinforcing the commentary, we should be very careful not to add to or subtract from the Word. How do we do this? First and foremost we study - voraciously - per Matthew 5:6 where we "hunger and thirst for righteousness." We should seek out wise Bible teachers and Gospel centered resources (i.e. commentaries) that shed light on and deepen our resources. For example, the commentary's helpful context about a historical tradition of Corban is helpful to understand as a man-made tradition vs God's Word (see also this resource). Humility and prayer are also important as scriptural disciplines to draw near to God and to seek His will as He is the source of wisdom (see Proverbs 1:7).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves, saves, guides, directs and provides Your Word as a measure of and proof of all of these blessings - thank You! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues..daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
