Chapter # 7 Paragraph # 1 Study # 6
May 10, 2022
Moss Bluff, Louisiana
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Thesis: Jesus condemned those who were condemning Him by exposing their behavior as that of the grossly wicked.
Introduction: In our studies of "what was wrong with the Pharisees and the Jewish religion of the first century", we have seen that they had diligently twisted the meaning of the words of God so that they could use those words to deceitfully pursue a wicked agenda. They, Jesus said, "were of their father the devil" (
John 8:44) and the proof of this identity was in their attitude toward Him.
In Mark's record, these leaders of the religion of the Jews (7:3) were identified by Jesus as "hypocrites" who exactly fit Isaiah's words when he described them as using their lips to "honor" Yahweh while following their hearts in maintaining a great distance from Him. "Reconciliation" is the message of the Gospel, rooted in the promise of forgiveness through biblical repentance, and these "leaders" had no interest of any kind in being reconciled to God.
Biblically, this lack of interest was revealed early in the formation of the nation. (Note Deuteronomy 5:27-29) and, according to the declaration of Stephen, was steadfastly maintained throughout the wilderness wanderings (Acts 7:39-43.) That Isaiah's declaration was 7-800 years later only proves that what Moses and Stephen declared was the continuing default attitude through every generation.
It is Mark's intention to expose this hatefulness so that his readers could easily see that all of the opposition of the leaders was corrupt at its core. And that raises the question: What was that core? In our study this evening we will see the answer to that question.
- I. It Begins To Be Clear When Jesus Accuses These Leaders Of "Hypocrisy".
- A. There is no legitimate reason for the "lips" to be used to hide the reality of the "heart".
- 1. In our last study we saw that there was a multiplication of words to make sure that we understand that "heart-distance" is the main mechanism of "life" for these hypocrites.
- 2. "Heart-distance" has been the issue since "geographical distance" was first used as its illustration when Adam and Eve fled from the presence of the Lord as soon as they disobeyed His single, and easily kept, command.
- 3. "Lip-deception" was used immediately after "heart-distance" was established by action.
- 4. Thus, there can be no excuse for "lips" that "honor" while "hearts" keep their "distance".
- B. The main question at this point is whether Jesus has a legitimate basis for His accusation.
- II. Its Clarity Is Revealed By Jesus' Example Of Their Perfidy ["A Deliberate Betrayal Of Trust"].
- A. The example itself.
- 1. The words of Moses in Exodus 20:12 and 21:17.
- a. Exodus 20:12 is where Moses demanded that parents be treated with "honor".
- 1) Jesus' use of the practice called "Corban" gives us His meaning for "honor".
- a) "Corban" was the practice of committing some level of monetary wealth to God.
- b) Since "Corban" decreased a person's "discretionary spending" by the specified "commitment", one could not deflect that use into some other use.
- c) Thus, the Jews taught that the commitment of one's monetary wealth to God was iron-clad and the money involved could not be used for any other purpose.
- 2) Thus, Moses' words meant "to provide one's parents with financial help sufficient to supply their needs in their later years.
- b. Exodus 21:17 is where Moses established the death penalty for anyone who "spoke evil" of one's father or mother.
- 1) With this we have two reasons for why a person might "promise God" the money that could/should be used to support one's parents.
- a) First, that the parents "needed" such support indicates that the parents had habitually walked contrary to their own responsibilities before God because God had promised that everyone who walked in His covenant would not be "poor" (Deuteronomy 15:4).
- i. This automatically means that there were very likely strong reasons for conflict in the family.
- ii. When this "conflict" issue is wedded to the command to put to death anyone who spoke evil of his parents, we can easily see why a person might want to have a good excuse for not supporting his/her parents.
- b) And, second, using "Corban" as one's excuse for failing to obey God's command, put forth a very strong "deception".
- i. Dedicating one's monetary wealth to God is, most of the time, a visible evidence of "godliness".
- ii. But the issue in this issue is, at root, disobedience to God regardless of the teachings of the "elders" whose reason for such teaching can only be rooted in the avarice of those elders (one cannot "give directly to God"; "gifts to God" are invariably given to those who are the leaders of the community).
- 2. This fact stands without contradiction: there is no need for such commands unless there is a strong absence of "Love" for one's parents.
- a. Everyone who loves his/her parents will be glad to help them in their time of need.
- b. The absence of such "Love" is a testament to the reality of the "distance" one is keeping from God at the level of the heart.
- B. Jesus' Follow-Up Declaration.
- 1. Jesus began by contrasting what God said through Moses (7:10) and what the leaders said to the people (7:11).
- 2. Then He followed up His main illustration with "...you do many such things as this".
- a. The "this" is a direct statement that what The Word of The God said (7:13) was annulled by "your" teachings (7:13).
- b. What Jesus meant is not unclear: there were many examples of "traditions" established by wicked elders that were actually designed to set God's commands aside.
- 1) When "the elders" will materially profit, there will be a doubling down upon "the commandment of God" (such as imposing the "tithe" upon the Church).
- 2) But when "the elder's material profit" is in danger, there will be a twisting of God's words into something that will eliminate that danger.
- III. Thus, The "Core" Is The Greed Of The Elders.
- A. But, this "greed" must be hidden from the people because it is their respect for the elders that motivates their submission for the traditions.
- B. So, then, the actual "greed" is supported by the "glory" people are willing to give to their leaders.
