THE DANGER OF TRADITIONS

The Danger Of Traditions (7:1-13)

As Jesus goes about teaching, He often does things disapproved by the religious leaders over keeping traditions.

E.g. plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath, eating with unwashed hands.

What is tradition?  How does a tradition become sinful?

The Greek word is paradosis, which means "giving over" or

"handing down". It refers to teaching that is handed down either by word

(orally) or in writing.

In the gospel of today, Jesus describes the danger of traditions at length. He show:

How keeping them can make void the very commands of God

How keeping them can make our worship vain before God

Traditions are very important. In Roman Catholicism, tradition is placed on par with God's Word. Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct from Scripture, and that it is infallible.  It is therefore to be received with the same internal assent of Scripture.

  

What is it that Jesus is telling us about Traditions?

Traditions of men tend toward ritualism

Such ritualism is often done repeatedly, with little thought to its origin and purpose. It is easy to go through such rituals, with the heart and mind on other things. Worship without the heart or mind is hypocritical. Tradition can make us hypocrites

        

 TRADITION CAN LEAD TO VAIN WORSHIP...

 Though our worship may appear to be impressive, when we follow the ritual, it can actually be "empty, worthless" when it does not engage our faith.

What Jesus wants to tell us that the most beautiful worship in God's eyes is not those acts which appeal to the eyes of people. It is simple, trusting hearts turned toward His Son and expressing the soul's adoration for Him. The love of Christ and the keeping of His commandments should the key to our worship.

Let us be aware of "These Dangers Of Traditions", and make sure that our practices reflect our faith in God.