You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8 (Matthew 14:14-15:20, Mark 6:34-7:23, Luke 9:11-17, John 6:1-7:1)
The second year of Jesus’ ministry was a peak year of popularity. He continued to heal the sick, and began feeding the multitudes. Following an especially long day, Jesus sent his disciples ahead, across the Sea of Galilea, while He found a quiet place to pray. Later, during the night He walked on water to join His friends. They believed Him to be a ghost, so Jesus spoke to them and Peter asked to join Him as an affirmation of who He was. Peter became the first to understand that Jesus was the Son of God, God incarnate.
The masses were ready to make Jesus king. He fed them for free, provided medical and mental health care, understood their plight and righted the wrongs they were suffering, but they misunderstood the nature of God’s Kingdom. They wanted the perks, but not the pain. Jesus explained the cost of following and many declined.
During this time, things began to heat up between Jesus and the Pharisees. He pointed out the dangers of their legalism and the pitfalls of traditional, doctrinal rules that were not at all connected to any part of the Law. His condemnation of their behavior, coupled with His threat to their authority, ignited furious hostility. Opposition in Judea became so life threatening Jesus remained in Galilea.
Many times Jesus made a clear distinction between evolved tradition and true Law. The Jewish authority’s creation of inappropriate authority to oppress and abuse was very offensive to Jesus. It was hypocrisy at its finest. Worship God for who HE IS! Then serve others because of who HE IS! This is obedience to His Law.
Love,
Gretchen