Mark 7:1-37: Violating Tradition
ALL OF US are influenced by traditions of one sort or another—even those of us who by tradition don't put much stock in them! But at what point do traditions lose their value or even become counterproductive? When do religious practices become a substitute for really obeying God? In this study Jesus has some rather harsh words for the Pharisees and the traditions they choose to observe.
Warming Up to God
Consider your spiritual life. Are there any aspects of your devotional practices that you feel bound to? Consider before God whether you are putting unrealistic expectations on yourself.
Read Mark 7:1-37. »
Discovering the Word
- What are the Pharisees concerned about (vv. 1-5)?
- What specific complaints does Jesus raise against the Pharisees' approach to tradition (vv. 6-13)?
- How does Jesus' view of becoming "unclean" differ from that of the Pharisees (vv. 14-23)?
- Jesus responds to the Syrophoenician woman's request with a miniparable about children, bread and dogs (vv. 24-27). What is he actually saying?
- What does the woman's response reveal about her?
- The healing of the deaf man takes place in the Decapolis where Jesus has exorcised the demons from the Gerasene man at the tombs (5:1-20). How do the events here demonstrate that man's success in telling about what Jesus had done for him (vv. 31-37)?
Applying the Word
- What religious traditions influence your life? Is that influence good or bad? Explain.
- What sorts of traditions do we observe today that get in the way of really honoring God?
- In what ways do you sometimes emphasize appearance over internal reality?
Responding in Prayer
Now, as then, those who are spiritually deaf—whether through hardness of heart or through substituting traditions for true obedience—can be healed by Jesus. Pray for yourself and others who need Jesus' healing touch.
For Further Study
Inner Healing by Mike T. Flynn & Douglas H. Gregg