Jesus and Tradition
The University of Tennessee swim team began a tradition in 1967. The Volunteers’ coach, John Trembley, said it was to bring good luck on the road. Before every away meet, a UT swimmer pours water from the Volunteers’ home pool into each lane of the opponents’ pool! The ritual seems meaningful to the athletes. Tennessee has a strong swim team, and the tradition still goes on.
Matthew 15 – Heart Focus
Tradition may have a strong influence on people, but it means nothing to Jesus, especially when it conflicts with God’s Word. In chapter 15, His conflict with the status quo grew more intense as His final year on earth began.
The Pharisees conducted elaborate ceremonies for washing cups, pitchers, kettles, and hands to symbolize separation from unclean Gentiles. They also taught that a man could dedicate extra money to God instead of helping needy parents, despite God’s command to honor father and mother. It was legally possible for a Jew to dedicate property to the temple and use it for himself to avoid helping his elderly parents. Like some churches today, the Pharisees raised tradition above the word of God.
Jesus’ break from religious tradition was complete by chapter 15. He focused on the heart, while the Pharisees’ religion emphasized lip service to God. He valued relationships with parents, whereas their religion relied on ritual. He understood that sin originates from the heart and is revealed through words. The Pharisees believed they were clean if they avoided what entered the mouth. Jesus is the Truth. The Pharisees remained blind to the truth.
The Kingdom Coach and Athlete follow Jesus and God’s Word instead of man-made traditions that aim to elevate man’s tradition above God’s direct commands.
Bible Memory Verse – “For truly I say to you (disciples) that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matthew 13:17 (LSB)
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