Journey With Jesus 365Sample

A well-known preacher filled a certain pulpit where it was customary for the minister to wear a robe. When asked whether he would do so, he replied, "If I need not, I will; but if I must, I will not."

Is it wrong to follow tradition? Not necessarily. It is always wrong, however, to treat tradition as an authority. It is proper to please men whenever we can do so in good conscience, as long as we are pleasing God. It is not proper to bow to the insistence of men and their traditions, as the Pharisees did, making the commands of men equal to the commands of God.

The answer of Jesus was overwhelming. He plainly showed that their traditions often transgressed the commandments of God. In verse 3, he gave proof of this in their custom of Corban, as it is called in Mark 7:11. The commandment of God said, "Honor your father and mother, and he who curses father or mother, let him die the death," quoting Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 20:9.

In what areas of your life might you be following traditions or practices that conflict with the commands of God? How can you ensure that your actions align more closely with Scripture rather than tradition?

The preacher’s response highlights the difference between personal preference and adherence to tradition. How do you distinguish between what is a matter of personal choice and what is a command from God in your daily life?

Jesus warned against elevating tradition to the level of God's command. In your relationships or church community, are there ways you might be more focused on pleasing others than on pleasing God? What changes could you make to prioritize God’s will in these situations?