MARK 7:1-8

MARK 7:1-8

MARK 7:1-8 - Certain of the Pharisees and scribes who were ever on the watch for something with which they might find fault in the words or behavior of Jesus and His disciples, noticed that some of the disciples ate bread with what they considered defiled hands. This was an unlawful thing according to a tradition that had been handed down from early days. The more rigid Pharisees went through a long process, not only of cleansing the hands from any uncleanness but also of ceremonial washing, before they would partake of food. 

  We are told in the fourth verse that “when they come from the market, except they wash (or baptize), they eat not.” This is one of the many baptisms referred to in Hebrews 9:10. The word rendered washings there is really baptisms. Many other similar rites were observed in connection with the cleansing of drinking-vessels, and dishes upon which food was served, and of the tables as well. Observe, it was not a question of that which was in accordance with the Word of God but simply human tradition. 

  In reply our Lord referred to the words of the prophet Isaiah, saying, “Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites.” This was strong language! A hypocrite is a man with a second face, really an actor, for the Greek actors appeared on the stage wearing masks in order to represent various offices and personalities. The Lord knew, through the dissimulation of His questioners, that while they were punctilious about such matters as those to which they referred, they were careless indeed in regard to things that were of far greater weight because definitely commanded of the Lord. 

Concerning such, Isaiah had written, “This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” There is something very important here that we do well to lay to heart. It is always a great mistake for those who profess to be servants of God to take up with forms and ceremonial rites and traditions which have no scriptural basis. They may seem innocent enough to begin with, but little by little it will be found that they usurp the place of the Word of God over the consciences of those who follow them, and this is a most dangerous thing.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 - If Scripture, carefully studied and obeyed, will furnish one as a man of God unto all good works, then it should be clear that nothing is worthy to be counted a good work in the sight of God which is not authorized by Scripture. The recognition of this principle would save from a great deal of folly and worthless labor in connection with the things of God. The Lord pressed Isaiah’s words upon the critics of His disciples by telling them that they themselves laid aside the commandment of God, substituting human traditions such as those to which they had referred, and He added, “Many other such like things ye do.”

   The Apostle Paul declared, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). What I would stress is the grave mistake of substituting human authority for divine. We need to be sure that not only our doctrines, but also our practical ways are in accordance with the Scriptures. This alone is the path of safety.