David Bahn – Reflections

Reasons not to do the right thing are not only a dine a dozen, some actually may sound high-minded. Some will excuse their lack of love and good will for people because those people, in their minds, are not deserving. Jesus told a story about a priest and Levite who passed by on the other side rather than helping a man who had fallen victim to thieves. Surely they had good reasons to continue on their way. Here Jesus especially challenges the religious reasons for not doing good.

Matthew 15:1-9

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ² “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” ³He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? ⁴For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ ⁵But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” ⁶he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. ⁷ You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:

⁸ “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
⁹in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Some traditions and acts of devotion to God are surely good and edifying. Building churches to gather God’s people for worship is surely a good thing. Maintaining an attitude of reverence inside the church is a good tradition. Caring for the church property is good stewardship.

But I’ve seen a church surrounded by a 12 foot tall chain link fence – solely for the protection of the property. I’ve seen attitudes of superior self-righteousness that put people off who otherwise would have rejoiced in being able to worship God and pray. I’ve seen people put on their smiling church faces all the while hiding the deep pain or stubborn refusal to repent.

I’m not sure just what traditions we may hold to that get in the way of a more perfect and heartfelt love for God and neighbor. But I’m certain there are times and places when we set aside God’s word for the sake of our convenience or even a religious tradition.

Be certain of this: Not only does Jesus call this what it is: making “void the word of God,” but he also calls us to repent and believe the Good News of his grace and love, and to follow on with lives that express a true faith and a heart made pure by the Holy Spirit. That’s a high calling and a life-long pursuit! No “yes, but…” here!