Step on the Scales
Matthew 15:1-20
1. Scripture Outweighs Tradition (Matthew 15:1-2), Opinion (Matthew 15:3-6), and Culture (Matthew 15:7-9).
“If a man poured water over the one hand with a single rinsing, his hand is clean; but if over both hands with a single rinsing, R. Meir declares them unclean unless he pours over them a quarter-log or more.” (M Yadaim 2:1).
Isaiah 40:6-8, A voice was saying, “Cry out!” Another said, “What should I cry out?” “All humanity is grass, and all its goodness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flowers fade when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”
2. Scripture Identifies Human Nature. (Matthew 15:10-20, Proverbs 26:23-26, Matthew 1:21)
Proverbs 26:23-26, Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel. A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within. When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
Matthew 1:21, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”