Matthew 15:1-20

15:1-2 | The tradition of the elders refers to a large collection of rules about the proper interpretation of the law, as determined by a series of celebrated rabbis. Collectively, this body of rules is known as the Halacha. To the Pharisees, these halachic regulations were nearly equal to the law itself. This oral tradition was eventually collected into the written Mishna by Rabbi Judah the Prince (ca. AD 135-200).

15:3 | The Word (commandment) of God alone carries God’s full authority and supersedes all other forms of authority. Although people may imagine that tampering with tradition violates divine order (especially within the church), God’s commands must always trump human customs.

15:4-6 | The tradition of the elders said that if a grown child merely declared some property as a gift to God, the child did not have to use the property to care for the needs of an elderly parent. Jesus quotes Exodus 20:12 and 21:17 to show God’s deep concern that children honor their parents in practical ways, not merely with respectful attitudes (Prov. 23:22; Eph. 6:2-3).

15:7-9 | Referring to Isaiah 29:13, Jesus declares that true worship is not merely standing and sitting at the right time, saying the right words, and singing the right songs. Worship involves the whole person responding to all that God is.

15:13-14 | Although the Pharisees claimed to safeguard the Scriptures and interpret them for others (leaders of the blind), they had become so concerned with outward appearances that they had forgotten inward reality and were spiritually blind themselves.