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Mark 7:9-13
And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God) — then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were masters at twisting the right to make it wrong, and at taking shortcuts, missing the destination. While the law was clear that a son should honor his father and mother, many Jewish sons formally dedicated their money as a “Corban” (offering) to the Lord. In this religious slight of hand they could still use the money for themselves instead of using it to support their parents.
Jesus used this example to show one of the ways the leaders rejected God’s Word by their human traditions. They feigned obedience to the law while knowingly using the law for selfish gain. In doing so they rejected the clear command of honoring their mothers and fathers.
Legalism is subtle and insidious. It can be made to look righteous while being rotten. Asking God to examine and reveal your heart is the only way to cure legalistic tendencies. I invite you to pray the following prayer from Psalm 139 and ask God to show you what is truly in your heart.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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