The University of Tennessee swim team started a tradition in 1967. The Volunteers coach, John Trembley, said it was to give the team luck on the road. Before each road meet, a UT swimmer pours water from the Vol’s home pool into each lane of the opponent’s pool! The ritual seems important to the athletes. Tennessee has a good swim team, and the tradition continues.

Matthew 15 – Follow Jesus

Tradition may hold significant influence over people, but it means nothing to Jesus, especially when it conflicts with God’s Word. In chapter 15, His conflict with the status quo intensified as His final year on earth began.

The Pharisees made a ceremony of 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 the command from God to honor father and mother. It was legally possible for a Jew to dedicate property to the temple and enjoy the property for himself to avoid helping his elderly parents. Like some churches today, the Pharisees elevated tradition above the word of God.

Jesus’ split with religious tradition became complete in chapter 15. He was concerned with the heart, while the Pharisees’ religion was concerned with lip service to God. He valued relationships with parents, while their religion substituted ritual. He knew sin came from the heart and was revealed by the words of the mouth. The Pharisees thought they were clean if they avoided what went into the mouth. Jesus is the Truth. The Pharisees were blind to the truth.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete follow Jesus and God’s Word rather than man-made traditions designed to elevate man’s tradition above God’s direct orders.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Matthew 13:17

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