Matthew 14:34-15:9
After they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the people there recognized him, they sent word into all the surrounding area, and they brought all their sick to him. They begged him if they could only touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Then Pharisees and experts in the law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and said, “Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honour your father and mother’ and ‘Whoever insults his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If someone tells his father or mother, “Whatever help you would have received from me is given to God,” he does not need to honour his father.’ You have nullified the word of God on account of your tradition. Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said, ‘This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, and they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
The Pharisees were getting out of taking care of their parents like God had commanded them (Exodus 20:12). God expects all children (no matter what age) to honour their parents. Sometimes adults can forget that this command applies to them. If you have parents, what are some ways that you can honour them today?
Honouring means that you treat someone and their opinion with weight. You may be able to listen to your parents and accept their judgement. Even if you disagree, you can still hold their thoughts in high esteem. Using your words and actions, you can convey the respect that is due them.
How does our culture treat the idea of honouring parents?
Our culture tends to honour parents only when it is convenient to do so. We are surrounded by families who dishonour their parents through words and actions, simply because they don't think their parents are worthy of respect. Christians are to shine a light in this regard.
Prayers
Give thanks for the parents God has given us
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