Mark 7:1-13
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Followers of Tradition
1The Pharisees and some of the scribes *gathered to Him after they came from Jerusalem, 2and saw that some of His disciples were eating their bread with unholy hands, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees and all the other Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thereby holding firmly to the tradition of the elders; 4and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they completely cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received as traditions to firmly hold, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and copper pots.) 5And the Pharisees and the scribes *asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk in accordance with the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unholy hands?” 6But He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
8Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”
9He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother, is certainly to be put to death’; 11but you say, ‘If a person says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is, given to God),’ 12you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13thereby invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
The Heart of Mankind
The Syrophoenician Woman