A Reasonable Question

Scripture – Mark 7:1-5: ¹The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and ²saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. ³(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. ⁴When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) ⁵So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?”

Reflection: In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, God gave several laws related to cleanliness. There were a lot of regulations that included washing hands and even clothes. In the wilderness, God was giving His people some basic hygiene instruction.

In Jesus’ day, these regulations had become primarily ceremonial. They were another example of people working to fulfill the laws without any connection to worshipping the One who gave the law.

The Pharisees ask a reasonable question here. They saw some of Jesus’ disciples who were not following “the tradition of the elders.” So they asked about that.

I think I would have asked, as well. The key is to ask honest questions and be ready for honest answers. There’s no question younger generations do not blindly accept the traditions of a local church. I will make sure I differentiate between traditions and Biblical instruction.

Lord Jesus, you know how tempted I am to get set in my ways. Please keep me open to your ways. Give me a discerning spirit as new traditions emerge. Teach me to keep teaching your truth in these new days, while staying open to new ways of communicating and experiencing that truth.