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None Dare Call It Phariseeism

Martin G. Selbrede / The Chalcedon Foundation:
In Matthew 15, a well-known collision between the Pharisees and the Lord is precipitated by a question over table manners. Christ's disciples didn't wash their hands prior to eating bread. To fail to wash hands was to "transgress the tradition of the elders" (v. 2). This transgression of the received tradition ignited and shaped the criticism leveled against Christ and His disciples. In response, Christ indicted the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (v. 6), or as it stands elsewhere, you make "the word of God of none effect through your tradition" (Mark 7:13). In effect, "they have made void thy law" (Ps. 119:126).

Posted by Editor at January 19, 2009 05:03 AM