Matthew 15:3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Matthew 15:3 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 15:3 is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees who came from Jerusalem to question Him. They accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating (Matthew 15:1-2).

Meaning

Jesus responds to the accusation by turning it back on the religious leaders: “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” The word “also” is significant. While the disciples were accused of breaking a human tradition, the Pharisees themselves were guilty of breaking God’s actual commandments. Jesus contrasts human tradition with divine commandment, showing that the religious leaders prioritized their own rules over God’s law.

In the following verses, Jesus provides a specific example: God commanded honor for parents (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16) and death for those who curse them (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9), but the Pharisees allowed a man to declare his goods “a gift” (Corban) to God, thereby avoiding financial support of his parents (Matthew 15:4-6). Thus their tradition nullified the word of God. Jesus later quotes Isaiah 29:13, calling them hypocrites who “teach as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9). The parallel account in Mark 7:9 states that they “reject the commandment of God” to keep their own tradition.

Biblical connections

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently challenged the religious leaders’ legalistic approach, highlighting the importance of true heart obedience to God rather than mere external rituals (Matthew 5:20-48, Matthew 23:1-36). He reveals that God’s commandments are meant to reflect the heart and character of God and guide His people in righteousness. The Pharisees had placed an excessive focus on external observances while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).

Application

Matthew 15:3 prompts us to examine our own lives and religious practices. It reminds us to prioritize the intent behind God’s commandments rather than blindly adhering to empty traditions. True worship involves aligning our hearts with God’s will, demonstrating love for God and others in all aspects of our lives. This verse warns against elevating human rules to the level of divine authority. We must examine our practices and ensure they align with God’s Word, not merely with human custom.

Following this verse, Jesus provides specific examples of how the religious leaders have invalidated the commandments of God through their traditions (Matthew 15:4-9). He highlights their hypocrisy and calls the people to understand that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart (Matthew 15:10-20).

Reflection

Jesus stands as the authoritative interpreter of God’s law, who rebukes religious hypocrisy and calls for true obedience from the heart. By studying this verse, we learn the importance of prioritizing the commandments of God over human traditions and external rituals. Jesus challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts and seek to align our lives with God’s will.