Matthew 15

In my study tonight, I am examining the 15th chapter of Matthew.  The chapter basically begins with the Pharisees judging the activities of Jesus and his disciples, trying to find wrong doing.  They asked why the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, claiming that they were defying age-old traditions.

It seems to me that many of our "churches" today are doing the same - acting like the Pharisees.  Traditions have been practiced and elevated to the status of commands from God.  Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with having traditions - social groups have them, religious groups have them, and even many families have them.  My own family has certain traditions.  However, we need to be careful not to elevate these traditions to a point where undue importance is assigned to them, much less to the point where they are considered commandments from God.

Further in the chapter, in verses 10 through 16, Jesus is trying to explain a simple concept to his disciples.  There were many "laws" about what could be eaten and drank, and Jesus explained that it is not what we eat or drink that defines us - but what is in our hearts.  In verse 17, Jesus states, "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (NLT).  If we stop to think about this, we see how true this is.  It may raise our blood sugar a bit or add a little weight to our bodies on that journey, but that is about all.

However, as Jesus explains in the verses following that statement, the words we speak - the actions we perform - reflect what is in our hearts.  And, what is in our hearts is what is important.  If  our hearts are full of evil thoughts, then there is no room left for Jesus.  And - our words and actions will reflect those evil thoughts.

Verses 8 and 9 highlight this, as Jesus quoted what was written by Isaiah, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."  (NLT)

I have heard many people make the claim that, to a great extent, the "church" has become the greatest earthly enemy of true Christianity.  I fully agree with this statement.  "Organized religion" places so much importance on "traditions" and "rituals" that they have drifted far from actually following the examples and commandments of Jesus.

Have any of you experienced this type of experience with Christian worship?  Do you know a religious organization who has placed such undue importance on "traditions"?  I would love to hear from you!!