Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

A dear friend recently posed a question about the activities of Matthew 15 and the answers that came out of that question were varied and valid all to a point. But if we boil down the essential issues it comes down to the exercise of traditions over obedience of faith. When do traditions replace love?

Tradition is the observation of ceremony above ideals. Traditions change, they are compromised by influence of power and authority. Some have gone on so long that the original meaning is lost and all that is left is meaningless observance.

This holiday season is a prime example of traditional influence. Different cultures observe different traditions. Some people respect and honor their parental traditions more than others. People may be married into families with vastly divergent national origins. Some hold to no observation beyond having paid time leave for a few days.

I found it interesting that Jesus answered this particular test with this verse.

Matthew 15:3-4a But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother:

It is obvious to me that the two are linked because Jesus answered the test in this manner. The honoring of mother and father in tradition are fine as long as they are not used to transgress God’s commanments.

We cannot do much of anything about the person who sees the holiday only as paid vacation. We can however observe the traditional goal of the season, the commandment.

1 Timothy 1:5 The purpose of this command is for people to have love, a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith. (NCV)