Matthew 15 :1-20   Traditions.. in themselves are not sinful.. . honestly we love our celebrations and family traditions, don't we?  But, in this case the traditions of men interfered with the commandment of God and that was sinful..  and the Pharisees didn't like that one bit when Jesus pointed it out to them.  

The controversy started when the Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus to complain about his disciples not following their hand-washing rituals. 

Jesus turned the conversation around and asked "And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?"  This is not the reaction that they were prepared for!   Jesus reminded them that God commanded His people to "Honor your Father and Mother and He who speaks evil of Father or Mother let him be put to death." (v4)  The religious experts ignored the Law and told people to give their money to God ( to them!) ... instead of obeying God and helping their parents in need.  "And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition." 

The problem with the Pharisees and scribes was a matter of the heart.  Their hearts were evil.  It was not the washing of their hands that they needed.. it was the washing of their hearts.  "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile man.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.  These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man," (v18-20)

The Pharisees and scribes were offended by the words of Jesus.. but Jesus told the disciples to "let them alone".. they were like the tares from His parable.. and "Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be rooted up."  As long as they refused to admit their sin and repent of it they were "blind guides of the blind.. " 

Father, examine our hearts and cleanse us from all those things that keep us walking in our own ways instead of Yours.  Let Your will be done.. in me.. in the church.. in this world.. as it is in heaven.  May our hearts be cleansed and kept pure as the Spirit of God abides in us and sanctifies us completely.. to the glory of Your Name!  Jesus, we need Your life in us so that we might walk in Truth.. come and rule in us today we pray. Amen.