In Matthew 15:1-2 we see the scribes and Pharisees asking THIS of Jesus about His disciples:
15 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. KJV
The Amplified Bible says is this way:
1 THEN FROM Jerusalem came scribes and Pharisees and said, 2 Why 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.
Notice that they were concerned that the "traditions" of the elders were being ignored! THIS is the how Jesus responded in verse 3:
3 But He answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? KJV
And from the Amplified Bible:
3 He 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)?
Some of the religious leaders of that time put more emphasis on, and faith in, the stories, rules, regulations and interpretations of their forefathers than on what the Word of the Living God actually said! Jesus brought the emphasis back to what was MOST important! Look at Psalm 138:2:
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name! AMP
ALWAYS put the Word of God first place in your life! HE does! AMEN! Then in verse 12 we see this from the disciples of Jesus:
12 Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were displeased and offended and indignant when they heard this saying?
What? Someone was offended by the Word of God? Sound familiar? Instead of worrying about being "politically correct" and not offending people, develop this attitude that Jesus has (remember, HE never changes: Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17)! Verses 13-14:
13 He answered, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots. 14 Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch.
Be more concerned with the Truth of God's Word than with the thoughts, plans, purposes and ideas of the lost! Remember, only His Word is TRUTH (John 17:17)! Here is Hillsong Live with "Always Will":
Shalom in Him!
