Relationships over Religion and Rituals

Mark 7

Following customs, traditions and “the way we used to do it” cannot fix our sinful hearts any more than doing or saying so could help the Pharisees, Sadducees, or anyone for that matter. Only Jesus Christ, through his atoning work on the cross, can grant us forgiveness of sins. Only a personal relationship with Jesus and His Holy Spirt can transform our hearts and lives.

“And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:15–18 (ESV)

In Mark 7, we learn that, spoiled food might make you sick, but it can’t make you spiritually unclean.

“And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” Mark 7:5–8 (ESV)

In Leviticus, God had given Israel commands about unclean animals they couldn’t eat to teach them about holiness and unholiness. But, ultimately, Jesus said we are not defiled by foods; we are defiled by what comes out of our hearts—the spewing, seething, unnecessary judgement, critical spirit, and opinionated preferential demands.

And, if these Pharisees and condemning leaders didn’t understand, Jesus clarified it. He got more specific and direct by calling out a few darkened hearts and sinful issues they personally possessed, like disobeying parents and using others money to claim as their offering at the temple. And then, He called out some more sins:

“What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20–23 (ESV)

Unless we are very careful, religious rituals and preferences from the past can create serious problems and cause a barrier to the work of the Holy Spirit. It often causes a sowing of discord and disunity among the brethren. Traditions, customs, and preferences are often given as much authority as God’s Word and even replace God’s Word. They often become a stumbling block.

“And he [Jesus] said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!” Mark 7:9 (ESV)

Traditions and customs may give a false confidence that what you do on the outside will somehow change the inside. But the heart must be changed, and external rituals cannot do that. The heart can be purified only by faith in Jesus Christ and His salvation.

“And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” Acts 15:8–11 (ESV)

I believe that the traditions and preferences presented in most churches often keep people from following after Jesus. Most people categorize all faith under the heading of “religion.” Jesus, and true Christianity, is about relationship and not religion and rituals; order yes, but not laws that hinder Gentiles or other from coming to Jesus. There is to be no barrier established that keeps people from following Jesus. Traditions, customs, laws, even preferences often keep people from surrendering to Jesus and following after Him.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

Jesus wants a relationship with all humanity, and He was not about to let traditions, customs, preferences keep from people Him, as these things kept many Gentiles at a distance. Gentiles were excluded by these Jewish leaders and their heavy burdens and hatred.

He ends the chapter by healing both the centurion’s servant and this woman’s demonized daughter from a distance. Both were Gentiles, and the Gentiles were “at a distance” spiritually; but Jesus would erase that distance at the cross.
On the Cross and with the tearing of the curtains in the temple, He symbolically addressed the bondage of pharisaical legalism, traditions, and prejudices by making a way to God and His salvation available to all!

Today, as you pray for those far from you, or far from the Jesus, remember that He can send His Word and do mighty works—the greatest being salvation. Remember, He has freed you from the yolk of religious rules, traditions, customs, preferences, and the bondage of sin.

Today, focus more on what is going into your eyes and mind and coming out of your heart; not on what is going into your stomach or the cleansing of your hands. For God is concerned for your heart.
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What traditions, customs, preferences or expectations are you placing on others and before a relationship with Jesus? What stumbling blocks are you experiencing or placing before others? Are you conscious of what is coming from your heart? Is it pleasing to God? Does it Glorify God? Pray that He would remove any Pharisaical attitude or action from you, and that you would be the disciple to someone who needs Jesus and a growing faith.

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