Week 3: Tuesday: Matthew 15.1-20

15.3    From the combative tone of Jesus’ retort, this was a criticism rather than an innocent question.  They honoured the tradition of the elders, whereas Jesus honoured the word of God more than the traditions of men.
Do we need to focus on God’s word, more than Health & Safety rules, Discrimination laws, Tax regulations, etc.?

15.5    This tradition sounds as if it puts God above men, but Jesus sees and hates the hypocritical motive – to avoid the commandment.

15.12  Criticism is often based on alleged offence to third parties: this may need checking, as it is often unfounded.

15.15  The disciples seem to be getting used to being told the answers (13.10, 18, 36, 51), and Jesus is getting frustrated (see also 16.9).

“Germs and Jesus!” – brilliant!  And spot on the topic, too.