RE Verse reading–Mark 7:1-23 (day six)
“For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders.” A subtle clue. Unnoticed by most readers. When Mark takes time to explain the tradition of handwashing, he signals his intended audience was probably Roman. Culturally sensitive. A thoughtful act toward outsiders who would have otherwise been lost or confused. Do we do the same? Are we regularly and deeply aware of the people outside of religious circles, those who require some explanation in order to comprehend what we are doing or saying? In Colossians 1, Paul says, “We proclaim Him, admonishing EVERY man and teaching EVERY man. . .that we may present EVERY man complete in Christ.” (vs 28) If we have the same purpose, we cannot be satisfied to preach only to insiders or people who easily understand our message. With great thoughtfulness we must address our message to a wider audience.
