Matthew 15:2-3

“ ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.’ He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?’ ”

The traditions of the elders are important, and we must not disdain the traditions sent down to us by our elders. The traditions of the elders are profitable and useful for life. For example, it is a thing of uttermost importance to wash your hands before you eat. But these traditions must never override or supersede the commandments of God, and this was where Jesus had problems with the Pharisees who elevated their traditions above the commandments of God.

So, we should respect our traditions and the wisdom of the elders, but wherever there is a conflict between the traditions of men and the Word of God, the eternal Word must triumph over the transient wisdom of carnal man. That’s why Jesus answered them by saying, “Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?”- Verse 3. We must settle this conviction in our hearts. God and His Word must always take precedence over Man and his traditions.

“Father, Your ways and Your Word are unchanging for all eternity. I choose Your precepts over the wisdom of Man, any day. Amen.”