Throughout the history of mankind, the word “tradition” can be used to describe the “bondage” of some and the “liberation” of others. Traditions have perpetuated themselves from generation to generation in all aspects of society; in families, schools, governments, churches, and religions. Some traditions are good, while others can be very detrimental. For something to become a tradition, it must first be accepted, embraced, and adopted as a normal part of our lives. And, a tradition will continue to perpetuate itself as long as it can overcome its critics. Powerful statements like, “Haven’t we always done it that way? Why would we want to change?” have been and continue to be used to squelch those who would criticize.
Throughout the New Testament we find many warnings with respect to not allowing the “traditions of men” to overcome our relationship and walk with the Lord. In Mark 7 we find that the Pharisees and scribes chided Jesus’ disciples because they were eating with unwashed hands – for as the text reads, the Pharisees were known for “washing their hands oft”, as well as their utensils. Note their words.
Mark 7:1-5,
“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?”
Note here that the Pharisees attempted to state that these “traditions” were based upon the law of Moses.
However, through these “outward cleansing” traditions – they had failed to “see” how dirty and unclean their “hearts” truly were.
In Mark 7:6-8 we read Jesus’ rebuke,
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.”
The tragic result of their traditions is summed up in Mark 7:9, “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
In Matthew 23:25-26 Jesus further declared,
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
Let us also be warned here that “religious” traditions can blind us in our walk with the Lord.
Notice the words of Colossians 2:6-8,
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
But the Scriptures do teach that there are some good “traditions” that we should uphold – providing they are based upon the Word of God.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 states,
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
May we choose to be spiritually liberated through the “traditions of Christ and His teachings” – instead of remaining in spiritual bondage through the “traditions of men.”
