I have always loved this text from Matthew because it speaks volumes to me about our life. “1Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders’” Matthew 15:1-2?
Traditions contribute significantly to the culture of every organization. Families, businesses, churches and schools, nationalities and countries all have their own culture and traditions. And the culture and traditions of an organization trumps everything. It is the single defining aspect of every organization! It is so difficult, indeed, nearly impossible, to change the culture or traditions of any large or tiny organization. Jesus and His disciples broke many traditions of Judaism and the middle-eastern culture of Israel and the surrounding areas in which they lived.
Jesus’ behavior and teachings eventually resulted in His death because those in power could not tolerate how much He changed their cultural beliefs and traditions. Resisting the culture and traditions of any organization can result in you getting fired. You can lose companions and friends for trying to change the culture. You can be hurt when you try to change traditions.
Today I invite you to consider prayerfully how much traditions are a part of your life. And is Jesus calling you to step away from any of these traditions and follow Him instead? What traditions are so much a part of your life that your are stuck in them?
I believe God wishes to free us from all traditions that keep us from hearing His Word and following Him. The traditions of Christ are not always the traditions of culture. So bring this to prayer today. What is God asking you to give up on the deepest level?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“He answered them, ‘And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition’” Matthew 15:3?
Jesus said, “For the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God”
Matthew 15:6.
“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us” 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
“Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good” Jeremiah 10:1-5.
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