Are We Honoring Our Parents?

 N.T.#175 "Are We Honoring Our Parents?"

Oct. 28, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 1

LET IT GLOW

My husband's father is 92. He and his brother take care of him. They taken him to the doctor, buy him clothes, and provide him with a place to live (with my brother in law). To me, that is obeying the commandment, Honor your father and mother. (Their mother passed.) If we honor our parents, we will be blessed with a long life.

Was washing hands before eating a ritual, an oral law, a religious duty showing spiritual purity? The Pharisees were at it again, criticizing Jesus' disciples. Did you notice that Jesus did not answer their question. Instead, He asked another question. It dawned on me as I was riding in the car, pondering this question. Jesus went to the heart of the matter.

But He answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (verse 3)

Well, how in the world were these religious Jewish leaders transgressing the Law? (I wonder if they were thinking this. Surely not them.) Israelites were commanded to honor their parents. (Exodus 20:12; 21:17) 

The Pharisees had a tradition that allowed them to bypass caring for their elderly parents by instead giving a gift committed to the temple. (verse 5) The practice allowed them to say, "Sorry Mom and Dad, I can't offer you financial assistance. I'm giving to God instead." By means of their tradition, they had invalidated God's Word. (verse 6) (Tony Evans)

What hypocrites! Jesus called it like it was, huh? What pretenders! Preaching one thing and doing another. 

Certainly Isaiah was right as God sees it: This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. (29:13)

Jesus knew their heart conditions. Why would the Pharisees not repent of their sins? Pride must have gotten in the way. Besides, they did not believe Jesus to be the Messiah.

Dear ones, are we guilty of this? Do we talk a good talk but not walk the talk?

LET IT GROW

In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (verse 9)

In the Greek language, vain means random talk; babble.

The Pharisees were just babbling on with their words. Their lives did not back it up. Where was their love for their parents? Why would they not take care of them? Perhaps it so they would appear religious, giving lots of money in the Temple.

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your love, Lord Jesus.

Help us honor our parents.

Make us into giving people, meeting needs.