Authentic Worship
Matthew 15:1-20 (ESV)
Traditions and Commandments
Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
What Defiles a Person
And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observations
What human tradition, called "Corban," did the Pharisees use to circumvent a direct command of God?
According to Jesus, what is the true source of the evil things that defile a person?
What are some examples given of good traditions that can help a community worship God authentically? [06:51]
Interpretation questions
How does the practice of Corban illustrate the danger of allowing human traditions to supersede God's clear commands?
If our hearts are deceitful and sick (Jeremiah 17:9), how can we trust any emotion we feel during a time of worship? What is the role of Spirit-compelled emotion?
What does it look like for a good thing, like providing for one's family, to subtly become an idol that displaces God as the primary object of faith?
Life Applications
What is one tradition, either personal or in your family, that you practice? How can you evaluate whether it points you toward God and His Word or has become a substitute for it?
It is so hard to see when our eyes are on me. [14:28] This week, where have you noticed your gaze shifting from Christ onto something created—like your reputation, your family's needs, or your career? What is one practical step to re-fix your eyes on the King?
Authentic worship allows the very real emotion that comes from seeing God's mercy and majesty to come through. In your personal or corporate worship, what holds you back from expressing Spirit-compelled emotions like contrition, awe, or gratitude? What would it look like to stop hiding that part of your heart from God?