THE STORY OF JESUS AND THE PHARISEES

Matthew 15, Some Pharisees (religious leaders) and other Jewish leaders now arrived from Jerusalem to interview Jesus. “Why do your disciples disobey the ancient Jewish traditions?” they demanded. “For they ignore our ritual of ceremonial handwashing before they eat.” He replied, “And why do your traditions violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God’s law is ‘Honor your father and mother; anyone who reviles his parents must die.’ But you say, ‘Even if your parents are in need, you may give their support money to the church instead.’ And so, by your man-made rule, you nullify the direct command of God to honor and care for your parents. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, ‘These people say they honor me, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is worthless, for they teach their man-made laws instead of those from God. FRIENDS, MAN-MADE LAWS BRINGS DEATH BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS. Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.