Unlimited: How to Nullify the Word of God
Apr 23, 2024 1716
And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honour your father and mother, and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus, you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that” (Mark 7:9–13, NIV)
In this passage, Jesus is in an intense discussion with the Pharisees. He called them hypocrites and that they ignore the commandments of God while holding onto human traditions and rules.
The law of God says that you should honour your father and mother. This is the law that God had written in the Bible.
But the Pharisees had an exception to this law that they had concocted themselves. This was part of their oral law. If you didn’t want to support your parents in their old age, then you could declare your possessions “corban”, which was effectively a vow that your possessions belonged to God and that one day they would be given to the temple. So, they couldn’t be used to help your parents.
That’s why Jesus says that, through many religious rules like this, the Pharisees tried to cancel out the Word of God.
Human traditions are much easier to follow than the commandments of God. Because they’re human rules, you don’t risk being unpopular if you follow them.
But Jesus taught us to follow the Word of God and the Word of God alone.
And the worst human traditions are the ones that cancel out or nullify God’s Word. Like the practice of “corban,” these traditions are usually based on our own selfishness rather than love for others and the true keeping of God’s law.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: So, have you ever found yourself justifying in your own mind an action that you knew was wrong? Think about how you resolved that issue. Here’s the question: Did your decision agree with the Word of God?
MICHELLE MANICKAM
Dec 22, 2020
Amen!! Today's gospel is meant for me as I just lost my mom last month. I did not take care of my mom physically as I am still working but financially I gave what I could. My three older sisters with the help of maid took care of my mom which I could not do it. I always feel they deserve all blessings from God for being there for my mom most of the times. I just did very little help as I was far and had a daughter after 10 yrs and still schooling. It did hurt me as whenever my sisters would say, they are more blessed as they took care of mom and I suffer financially as still working at age of 52 yrs and my husband is not a good provider as their husbands. Feel sad at times as being the youngest, my mom loved me a lot but in return I could not take care of her.
Tony Berrigan
Dec 22, 2020
Amen. In Hebrews chapter 3 I think God refers to this when the Israelites chose to believe and follow the report of the ten spies who spoke what they saw and felt. The Israelites refused to listen to Joshua and Caleb who spoke what God had said. I find it powerfully interesting that God referred to this as rebellion and unbelief (King James version). A great man offered the following advice, 'God said it, I believe it, that settles it'.
Ndeapo Nendongo
Sep 20, 2022
I could have done more for my parents while they were alive. I knew that it was not easy because I live in USA and they were in Africa. Maybe I could have brought them over for better medical treatment. I pray to God for forgiveness for not doing or trying to do everything for my parents.