Read the Word:
Mark 7:1-15
Meditate on the Word:
This passage is interesting to read through a contemporary lens. When we think “handwashing,” we think of soap and water to remove germs in order to not become ill. This was not, however, the thought behind the tradition being discussed here. The tradition was to pour a small amount of water over the hands (about what would fit in an eggshell) in order to ceremonially cleanse them. This was not a concern about germs; it was a concern about defilement. If a person had accidentally touched something or someone unclean, this would ceremonially cleanse them so that they could avoid defilement while they ate.
Jesus is not outright condemning traditions when he speaks here. He is instead critiquing the idea that tradition would be held in higher esteem than the plain teaching of the word. Moses had been divinely inspired to give the Law. Through the generations, as people are inclined to do, mankind added requirements to the Law that were not there. Sometimes the additions directly contradicted God’s revealed will. What traditions or teachings of man should we look at more critically in light of the scripture?
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to reveal to you any teaching that does not conform to His will.
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