Customs and Traditions (MPLS)

Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”

He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Chris Enstad

There was once a gardener who spent hours each day meticulously trimming the hedges and sweeping the pathways of his garden, yet he neglected to water the plants. Over time, the garden looked tidy, but the flowers withered and died because they lacked the nourishment they needed to thrive.

In our Bible story today, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about focusing too much on external traditions while neglecting the state of their hearts.

In our own lives, how often do we find ourselves focusing on the outward appearance of our faith, making sure everything looks “just right,” while neglecting the deeper work of tending to our hearts? Are there areas in your life where you’ve been more concerned with looking good than with being good?

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• What traditions or habits in my life have become more about the ritual than the relationship with God?
• What traditions or habits in our church are more about the outward appearance than our inward relationship with God and outward desire for connections and hospitality for others?
• How can I ensure that my actions truly reflect the love and grace of Christ?

Prayer:

Gracious God, cleanse our hearts and minds so that our actions may glorify You. Help us to focus on what truly matters—loving You and loving others with sincerity and truth. Amen.