“AND WHEN they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.”
Contact of the scribes and Pharisees with Jesus always brought out resistance to Him, finding fault with His every act, for their hearts were hardened and full of self-righteousness. Their condition was perfectly described by the prophet Isaiah, quoted by the Lord: “This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”
Note that the disciples were not actually accused of eating with dirty hands, but with “unwashed” or “coon” ones. In other words, the Pharisees were inferring: “Your disciples are no different than common men and do not follow after the traditions that have been set up according to our teaching.” They wanted to see an observance of practices of their teaching, even though these rituals were not established by the Word of God. According to their traditions, “holy men” should follow certain formalities which included washing their hands frequently, as well as displaying the washing of pots and pans, cups, etc. But these customs had originated in “the traditions of the elders” and were not to be found in God’s instructions at all. This is the very thing the Lord brings out: “Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” and “laying aside the commandment of God.” The Lord, in replying to these proud, religious men, readily shows their false position and accuses them of utter disregard for the observing of God’s true commandments to the Jewish people.
Because they were so easily influenced by the teaching of these religious leaders, the Lord appeals to all listeners saying, “Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand. There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of hint, those are they that defile the man.” How plain this language is and we should all readily understand it is from within evil hearts and the lustful nature of our flesh that evil things come out and expose what is within. This was the very case with the Pharisees and scribes.
It is certainly most necessary for us to consider why the Spirit of God has put in the Bible so lengthy an account of this subject. Do we not readily see that there are self-appointed teachers all about us today, with many systems of men growing strong and influential in “religious” things (just as the Pharisees were in their day), imposing on all who will follow them “the traditions of men” and actually in many things “rejecting the commandments of God?” Indeed there is much that has left the simplicity of God’s Word and introduced all kinds of customs appealing to those who are impressed by outward display and religious forms. God can never add His blessing to man’s imaginations and inventions about divine things — no matter how ritualistic and beautiful they may be.
How important it is for us to view all teaching in the light of the “Book of books” and not be snared by doctrines presented to us, or encourage them in any way until we are certain the teaching meets the truth of that precious Word. Christian friend, let us guard carefully that holy and true Word of God. May it have its proper and individual effect in our hearts. The Lord’s words were: “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”
ML-09/01/1963