Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, hee shall be free. Thus haue yee made the Commaundement of God of none effect by your tradition. Matthew 15:6 (KJV)

he shall be free.

Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Matthew 15:6 (KJV)

Context: Matthew 15:6 is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes who questioned Him about the disciples’ failure to follow their tradition of hand‑washing before eating. Jesus responds by rebuking them for their hypocrisy and for elevating their traditions above God’s commandments.

Honoring parents: In the first part of the verse Jesus alludes to the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) that calls us to honor our father and mother. He is not advocating dishonor but confronting the Pharisees’ practice of neglecting this duty by declaring their resources “Corban” (dedicated to God) while using them for personal gain, thereby escaping their responsibility to care for their parents.

Tradition versus commandments: The second part of the verse highlights the stark contrast between God’s commandments and human traditions. Jesus accuses the Pharisees of nullifying God’s law by prioritising their own customs. Their tradition allowed people to evade the biblical duty of honoring parents under the pretext of dedicating possessions to God.

The heart of the matter: Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ misguided priorities, pointing out that external acts of piety do not align with the condition of the heart. True obedience to God’s commandments is rooted in genuine love and reverence for Him, not merely in ritual compliance.

Application: This passage challenges us to examine our own lives. Are there moments when we place personal traditions, preferences, or interpretations above God’s clear commandments? The text reminds us that God desires heartfelt obedience, and our actions should be motivated by love for Him and for others. We must guard against letting traditions or rituals become stumbling blocks that hinder us from following God’s true intent.

Learning from Jesus: Throughout the Gospels Jesus calls us to scrutinise our motives and align them with God’s will. He urges us to prioritize the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (cf. Matthew 23:23). By doing so we avoid the trap of empty religiosity and ensure our lives reflect genuine obedience to God’s commands.

Remember to study the Bible in its broader context and seek guidance from trusted teachers and pastors to gain a deeper understanding of its teachings.