“And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”– Matthew 15:6 (KJV)
“And so, you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.”– Matthew 15:6 (NLT)
“You cancel God’s command by your rules.” – Matthew 15:6 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 15:6 Mean?
Matthew 15:6 is a powerful verse where Jesus challenges the religious leaders of His time about their traditions and how they conflict with God’s commandments. In this verse, Jesus points out that the Pharisees have created a system of rules that allows individuals to dismiss the commandments God has given about honoring parents. Specifically, the verse indicates that through their traditions, they have created loopholes that allow people to ignore the responsibility they have toward their parents.
When we look closely at this verse, we see that it speaks to something deeper than just the act of honoring one’s parents. It sheds light on the danger of allowing man-made traditions to nullify the truth of God’s word. In our own lives, we may not realize how our habits, customs, or certain beliefs can sometimes lead us away from God’s truth. We become so focused on our ways that we forget the core of God’s message. Reflections of our culture or family traditions can sometimes overshadow what the Bible teaches. This verse serves as a warning for us all to be careful of the traditions we hold onto and how they might affect our relationship with God.
Matthew 15:6 Explanation and Commentary
In Matthew 15:6, we see Jesus engaged in a discussion with the Pharisees regarding tradition and authority. The Pharisees had strict interpretations of the law, and they often enforced these traditions on others while sometimes ignoring the core principles of love and respect that God intended. Jesus reminds them that God’s command to honor one’s father and mother is paramount and should never be overlooked in favor of traditions. He emphasizes that their rules have rendered God’s commandments ineffective, showing their focus was mislaid.
Throughout the New Testament, we come across other verses reinforcing the importance of honoring parents, such as Ephesians 6:2, which states, “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise. It’s evident that this principle holds great significance in God’s eyes. However, the Pharisees introduced practices like “Corban,” where one could dedicate wealth to God instead of supporting their parents, thereby avoiding the commandment. Jesus criticizes them for how this practice undermines the very essence of God’s commandments.
This presents a double challenge for us today. First, we are reminded of our responsibilities toward our familial relationships. As Christians, we are called to uphold God’s word and apply it. Secondly, we need to recognize the importance of examining our own traditions to ensure that they align with God’s commands. Are there things in our lives that contradict biblical teaching? Are there traditions passed down that we have unquestioningly accepted? Reflecting on these questions can guide us toward a purer faith, one that prioritizes God’s commands over traditions.
Jesus invites us to engage with our faith actively. Instead of just following rituals, He wants us to dig deeper into what His word truly teaches. This calls for a willingness to change behavior when necessary, and to prioritize faithfulness to God’s commandments above customs that do not honor Him. Understanding this part of Matthew 15:6 encourages us to act with intentionality in our daily lives and to focus on what truly matters in our walk of faith.
Context of Matthew 15:6
To fully comprehend Matthew 15:6, we need to explore its context. This verse appears during a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes. The chapter begins with a debate about ritual cleanliness. The Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating. Instead of backing down, Jesus responds by turning the argument back on the Pharisees, revealing their hypocrisy and lack of understanding about the heart of God’s law.
In essence, the Pharisees were more concerned about maintaining their traditions than they were about honoring God and what He truly desires. Jesus boldly calls them out on this inconsistency, demonstrating that outward appearances or rituals hold no value if the heart is not aligned with God’s intentions. By citing the commandment to honor one’s parents, He highlights how human traditions can sometimes lead people away from fulfilling God’s purpose in their lives.
In our own context today, this story serves as a reminder to evaluate our own practices and traditions critically. We may have certain beliefs or practices handed down through generations that can cloud our understanding of God’s word. Reflecting on our own interpretations is essential. Our traditions should be tools that bring us closer to God, not barriers that inhibit our relationship with Him.
Thus, Matthew 15:6 invites us to consider what legacy we are building in our faith, both for ourselves and for others. Are we leading ourselves and those around us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and commands? Being aware of this context deepens our appreciation for what Jesus was teaching, showing us the eternal importance of holding fast to God’s commandments despite societal or personal pressures.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 15:6
Let us take a closer look at the key elements of Matthew 15:6. The first part of the verse states, “And honor not his father or his mother.” In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, honoring parents was a fundamental responsibility. Parents were seen as providers and protectors, deserving of respect and care from their children. By specifically mentioning this commandment, Jesus highlights a direct violation against divine expectations, showing how the Pharisees’ teachings stood in stark contrast to the very laws they purported to uphold.
The second key phrase is, “he shall be free.” Here, Jesus points out the loopholes that were created by the Pharisees. They found a way for people to be freed from their obligations toward their parents if they claimed their wealth was dedicated to God. This loophole illustrates how the Pharisees twisted God’s intention for the sake of convenience and personal gain. Freedom here is misleading, as it provided a way for people to turn away from honoring their parents, focusing instead on merely following the man-made rules and traditions.
The third crucial part is, “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Jesus’ sharp criticism reveals how traditions can sometimes take precedence in our lives over the commandments of God. The traditions that the Pharisees adhered to had the potential to obscure and make ineffective the very laws that God had established for His people. We should be asking ourselves if we do the same in our own lives. Do we lean more on what we have always done instead of genuinely following God’s word? This thought can push us to reevaluate our priorities and to focus on the timeless truths found in scripture.
By analyzing these key components of the verse, we understand the depth of Jesus’ message. He calls for a fundamental reevaluation of our relationship with true worship and obedience. When we put the emphasis on the spirit of the law over mere rituals and traditions, we begin to align our lives more closely with God’s heart. He desires us to worship Him in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 15:6
There are many important lessons we can glean from Matthew 15:6. The first is the warning against allowing traditions to overshadow God’s commandments. Just like the religious leaders, we can find ourselves clinging to certain customs that might be diverting us from a genuine relationship with God. As we learn from this passage, our focus should be on understanding and fulfilling God’s commandments, rather than simply going through the motions of tradition.
Secondly, we are reminded of the significance of honoring our parents and taking our familial responsibilities seriously. This doesn’t just reflect on our relationship with them but also serves as an example to future generations about how we view God’s command. When we put respect and care for our parents at the forefront, we are fulfilling God’s purpose for our families and honoring Him in the process.
Another takeaway from this verse is the need for introspection in our personal faith journeys. Are we holding onto practices and beliefs that no longer reflect what we read in the Bible? It could be helpful for us to occasionally step back and assess our routines—whether in church or home. Seeking guidance from Scripture will enable us to refine our beliefs and practices in a manner consistent with God’s will. It is essential for us to approach our faith with both honesty and humility, ensuring that we cultivate a relationship grounded in trust and obedience to Him.
As we examine ourselves in light of Matthew 15:6, we understand that aligning our actions with God’s word is not merely a personal endeavor; it impacts our communities and those around us. By living out God’s teachings authentically, we can set an example for others. This encourages relationships based on respect, love, and genuine faith, creating a ripple effect that can spread to our families, friends, and further into our communities.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Matthew 15:6 challenges us to think critically about the traditions in our lives and how they may contradict God’s commandments. Jesus’ words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our parents and remaining steadfast to the teachings of the Bible. This verse demonstrates that God desires heartfelt obedience from us, not rituals that have lost their meaning.
As we continue to study and reflect on the teachings of Christ, let us remain open to transformation and improvement in our faith. Embracing God’s commandments will enrich our spiritual lives and draw us closer to the heart of our Savior. We can take comfort in knowing that despite the complexities we may face, we can always return to the basics of love, respect, and truth. For those interested, there are many more encouraging passages throughout the Bible that can guide us in our journey. We invite you to explore the Bible Repository for further insights on various topics.