Breaking Tradition

     Traditions play an essential role in defining our identity and heritage. They act as guideposts, leading us down paths trodden by those before us. But what happens when traditions become more important than the principles they were meant to uphold?
     The chapter begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, who question Him about His disciples breaking the tradition of the elders. The disciples had eaten with unwashed hands, a clear violation of the Jewish ritual law.
     Jesus' response is a poignant reminder that focusing on external rituals can lead us away from the core values of faith and love. He says, "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:3).
     Jesus then calls attention to the Pharisees' practice of the Corban rule, a tradition that allowed them to evade their responsibility to honor their parents by dedicating their resources to God. While it may have seemed pious on the surface, this tradition was a way to sidestep the genuine command of God. The Corban rule finds its roots in ancient Jewish tradition, where the term "Corban" comes from the Hebrew word for "offering" or "dedicated to God." It allowed individuals to declare their possessions or resources as "Corban," meaning they were devoted to God and therefore exempt from other uses.
     The practice of the Corban rule was especially relevant to the commandment to honor one's father and mother. Under normal circumstances, adult children were expected to use their resources to care for their aging parents. However, by declaring those resources as Corban, they could technically sidestep this responsibility.
     On the surface, this dedication to God might appear to be a highly spiritual act. In reality, it became a legalistic way to avoid familial duties. The Pharisees supported this practice, even though it created a loophole that allowed individuals to neglect their God-given responsibilities. In Matthew 15:3-6, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about this practice, highlighting the hypocrisy of honoring God with words while allowing traditions to override genuine godliness. He said, "Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites!" (Matthew 15:6-7). By calling out the misuse of the Corban rule, Jesus made a strong statement about the danger of empty religiosity and the need to prioritize authentic love and obedience over tradition.
     The Corban rule's misapplication reveals how easily traditions can be twisted to serve selfish interests. It demonstrates that even religious practices, when separated from the heart's true intent, can lead to injustice and a distortion of God's commands. In the face of such misdirection, Jesus calls us back to the heart of faith, where love, integrity, and authentic worship reside. The story of the Corban rule serves as a timeless reminder that our relationship with God should always transcend rituals and traditions, guiding us towards a life of genuine compassion and obedience.
     Jesus emphasizes that it's not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person but what comes out of it. The focus shifts from outward purity to inward integrity. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander" (Matthew 15:19). In doing so, Jesus breaks down the barrier between ritual and real righteousness, urging His followers to concentrate on the condition of their hearts rather than mere compliance with human traditions.
     The teachings in Matthew 15:1-20 resonate with us today as well. How often do we find ourselves clinging to traditions or rituals at the expense of genuine love and compassion? Are we more concerned with appearing righteous than being righteous? We must always remember that our faith calls us to focus on the heart. Traditions and rituals have their place, but they should never overshadow the greater commands of love, mercy, and humility.
     Breaking traditions in Matthew 15:1-20 isn't about rebellion for rebellion's sake. It's about aligning our hearts and actions with the true teachings of God. It's about understanding that faith isn't confined to rituals and rules, but flourishes in a relationship with Christ.