Today we are reading Matthew 15. In this chapter we read about the role of traditions. ”Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”“ Matthew 15:1-9 ESV We have many traditions in our church. This can be good if they serve the Gospel. If they do not, they have the potential to distract or hinder us from proclaiming the Gospel in a simple and effective manner. What are some of your favorite traditions in church? If you brought a friend to church, which elements of worship would be the hardest to explain? May you be a leader in connecting people to Jesus! Pastor Tim
