I LOVE how Jesus handles this criticism from the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 15:1-3:
1THEN FROM Jerusalem came scribes and Pharisees and said, 2Why do Your disciples transgress and violate the rules handed down by the elders of the past? For they do not practice [ceremonially] washing their hands before they eat. 3He replied to them, And why also do you transgress and violate the commandment of God for the sake of the rules handed down to you by your forefathers (the elders)? AMP
John 17:17 tells us that God's Word IS Truth! These "leaders" were very religious, but they weren't operating in faith! They followed to a tee the traditions handed down through the generations, but paid no attention at all to the Word of God! Jesus said that THIS was the result of doing that in verses 6-9:
6So for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers), you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]. 7You pretenders (hypocrites)! Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: 8These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. 9Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men. AMP
Remember that Jesus said THIS to the woman at the well in John 4:24:
24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. AMP
Don't be involved with "useless" worship! In fact, don't do ANYTHING out of habit and ritual, which results in no power and authority. Know the Word and the "why" behind everything that you do so that you can do it in faith, being pleasing to God! Amen! Here is Hillsong Live with "Unending Love":
Shalom in Him!
