Sunday 1 September 2024

Psalm 15

Background
Opposition to Jesus from the religious leaders is encountered as early as chapter 2 of Mark’s Gospel. It intensifies in this passage as leaders from Jerusalem, where Jesus will eventually be condemned to death, make the journey to Galilee to confront him. Although they criticise the disciples’ behaviour, it is Jesus’ relaxed attitude to that which makes him their target.

By the time of Jesus, Jewish teachers had developed a considerable body of interpretation and application of the several hundred commandments found in the books of Moses that begin the Bible. This is what is meant by 'tradition' in this passage. The explanations of Jewish traditions that Mark gives in vs 3-4 and 11 are clear evidence that he is writing for Gentiles, since Jews knew about these traditions, even if only the devout practised them.

Two examples of Jewish tradition arise here: washing hands in a particular way before eating, and declaring something one owns as an offering to God ('Corban'). We would all agree that washing hands before eating, especially if not using cutlery, is good practice, and in the recent pandemic we were taught to do that thoroughly; and we likewise applaud offerings for the work of God. On the subject of Corban, which Jesus introduces, his criticism is the way people use it to excuse themselves from providing for their parents as the Ten Commandments require. On handwashing his concern is the way such rituals distract his opponents from the spiritual intentions behind God’s laws.

This is a more nuanced matter than simply saying that the written scripture must take priority over tradition developed from it, since Mark here states the Christian interpretation of vs 18-19 that “he declared all foods clean”, despite clear biblical laws that some are not. But it is clear that Jesus’ decision at the time of this debate was to move the focus of what matters morally away from food to the state of the heart and the actions that leads to.

To Ponder:

• What traditions or customs do you notice in Christian behaviour or church practice whose value you might question in terms of whether they improve the motivations of the heart?
• Verses 21-22 list a number of outcomes of evil intentions in the heart. What would be your corresponding list of actions arising from good intentions, and which would you like to develop as a result of reading today’s passage?

Prayer
Lord, enable me to value rituals and practices that help me to focus on you, without ever letting them become a substitute for loving your word and loving other people in ways that ensure I grow in true holiness. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Mosedale
Stephen is a retired Methodist minister living near Exeter. He served in West Africa and Scotland and was a New Testament tutor at Cliff College.