Re:Verse reading – Mark 7:1-23 (day five)
Mark 7:6, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites”, Mark 7: 8-9 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition”. Mark 7:13 “thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
Why was Jesus so harsh to the Pharisees? Why were His words to them always so personal and severe? Was He picking on them?
No! He was showing them and those around them the importance and prominence of Scripture and the rightful place and priority of human tradition and regulations.
Scripture will guide a person to better understand the heart of God and in stark contrast the see clearly heart of man. Traditions, legalism, and idolatry will ultimately elevate that which is human above that which is divine- a very dangerous place.
Be careful of leaders/teachers who don’t clearly teach and preach the Holiness and Mercy of God’s heart. Be equally as cautious of teachers/preachers who don’t clearly communicate the dark sinful nature of the human heart.
