Matthew 15:1-20   The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus a question.. "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?"   Jesus replied with a question of His own.. "And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?"

They were concerned about ceremonial washing of hands. 

He was concerned about the sinfulness of their hearts. 

Jesus always focuses on the heart.. It was their hearts that were "far away" from God. It was their hearts that were defiled.. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, slanders. These are the things which defile man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." ( v19-20)

The hearts of the Pharisees and scribes that questioned Jesus were full of evil.  Jesus told His disciples that these men were "blind guides of the blind".  They were the "tares"..  for "Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be rooted up." 

The Pharisees did not really care that the disciples didn't wash their hands. It was just something to complain about.. to criticize and condemn.  They called this a transgression.. a sin.  But, at the same time they were taking money from people... even their own families..  in the name of God.. and using it for their own selfish pursuits.  They were hypocrites of the worse kind. 

This makes me wonder if we have some "traditions" that get more emphasis than they should?  Do we hold our ways of "doing church"  as of more value in our hearts than loving like Jesus calls us to.. I hope not.... 

Father, once again we come before You and ask that You search us.. and know our hearts.  Try us... examine us and reveal any hurtful ways in us.. and lead us in the everlasting way.  Open our eyes Lord, that we will not be blind leaders of the blind.. but that we will walk in Your Light.. doing Your will.  Fill us Spirit of Truth that we might grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  It is in His name that we come. Amen.