Add parallel Print Page Options

Jesus Speaks Sharp Words to the Leaders (A)

The proud religious law-keepers and some of the teachers of the Law had come from Jerusalem. They gathered around Jesus. They had seen some of His followers eat bread without washing their hands. The proud religious law-keepers and all the Jews never eat until they wash their hands. They keep the teaching that was given to them by their early fathers. When they come from the stores, they never eat until they wash. There are many other teachings they keep. Some are the washing of cups and pots and pans in a special way.

Then the proud religious law-keepers and the teachers of the Law asked Jesus, “Why do Your followers not obey the teaching given to them by their early fathers? They eat bread without washing their hands.” He said to them, “Isaiah told about you who pretend to be someone you are not. Isaiah wrote, ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is worth nothing. They teach what men say must be done.’ (B) You put away the Laws of God and obey the laws made by men.”

Jesus said to them, “You put away the Laws of God but keep your own teaching. 10 Moses said, ‘Respect your father and mother.’ (C) ‘He who curses his father and mother will be put to death!’ (D) 11 But you say that it is right if a man does not help his father and mother because he says he has given to God what he could have given to them. 12 You are not making him do anything for his father and mother. 13 You are putting away the Word of God to keep your own teaching. You are doing many other things like this.”

Read full chapter