KING JESUS: A JOURNEY THROUGH MATTHEW'S GOSPEL (PT 19)

I have found this true: if you want to upset a congregation, start messing with their traditions. Try moving the sacred cows in the sanctuary or even question why a church does what it does, and the claws will come out. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way. I have sat through countless board meetings in previous churches where there have been discussions on what kind of coffee maker should be purchased for the kitchen. I have been involved in talks about whether moving the pulpit from one side to the other or removing the pulpit altogether is necessary. I have witnessed heated talks about whether we should paint a room a different color other than flat white or yellow… Oh, WWJD? The sad truth is it is pretty standard for some traditions in the church to become idols, causing people’s judgment to be clouded as they mistakenly and often unknowingly view their tradition as God’s Gospel truth.

The Truth About Traditions
Tradition was very important in all ancient societies, particularly in Jewish culture. The path of transmission of tradition was highly regarded. The Pharisees, for example, had traditions interpreting and going beyond the Scriptures, to which they attributed specific laws and authority upon all Jews. Many of these traditions were passed down from generation to generation, and a few were made up to impose their will upon the people. 
 
 
Defining Tradition
According to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, a tradition is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom). The Bible also has a bit to say about traditions, and examining these perspectives is essential. This message is not intended to bash traditions or discuss their evils. I understand the importance and the necessity of traditions. I know the difficulty and pain involved when traditions are not kept or are viewed as unnecessary. Traditions (whether in a church, family, or life) are usually good and healthy. For example, in 2 Thess. 3:6 Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica not to follow men walking contrary to the tradition the Apostle and his companions imparted. In 1 Cor. 11:2, Paul also commends the Corinthian church for holding firmly to the traditions delivered to them.

Two Types of Traditions
Personally, I have discovered two types of tradition within the church body.

1. Sacred Traditions (Also called Holy traditions or Apostolic traditions)

These traditions refer to teachings and practices that originate from the Bible and the early Church and are directly connected to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. So, sacred traditions are a foundation of the doctrinal and spiritual authority of Christianity and the Bible.
​
Examples

• Baptism
• Communion
• Washing of Feet
• Teaching
• Worship
• Prayer
• Reading of Scripture

These traditions are meant to uphold the core doctrines of Christianity, provide a means of grace, and create a physical connection to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Sacred traditions are foundational and non-negotiable for the Christian faith, often viewed as means through which God imparts grace to the believer. They are deeply rooted in Scripture and are considered vital for the spiritual health and continuity of the Church.

     2.  Human TraditionThese traditions are practices developed by individuals or the church over time, influenced by cultural, societal, and historical contexts. They are not explicitly mandated by Scripture but can enhance worship and community life.

• Styles of Music: The type of music used in worship services can vary greatly depending on the cultural and historical context (e.g., traditional hymns and contemporary Christian music).
• Dressing Up for Church: The practice of wearing formal attire to church services, which has cultural roots and varies by denomination and region.
• Order of Worship: The structured sequence of a worship service, which can include elements like prayers, readings, sermons, and songs. This order can differ significantly across denominations and traditions.
• Worship centers: These are the buildings where congregations assemble to worship.  The modern church or worship centers are human-based ideas and constructions that can be simple or complex in design, structure, and aesthetics. 

These traditions often aim to make worship more relevant and accessible to the congregation, enhancing worship's shared and visual experience. While not essential to the faith, these traditions can enhance the worship experience and foster a sense of community and identity. However, they should not overshadow or replace sacred traditions or core biblical teachings.

Matthew 15:1-9
Jesus spoke about the complications of tradition over God in Matthew 15:1-9. In this passage, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders about why he and his followers break the tradition of not washing their hands before they eat.

He rebukes the leaders, asking why they hold their traditions over the word of God. He calls them hypocrites who are nothing more than people giving empty worship to God. He even goes so far as to say that by placing their traditions above God, they have ultimately made the word of God void. Jesus counters the Pharisees’ charge against his disciples by asking why they and teachers of the law transgress God’s command because of a commitment to their “tradition” (15:3). The primary point of contention is that Jesus does not recognize the binding authority of the oral law, here called the “tradition of the elders.” The tradition of the elders was not simply a preferred way of living, but it became equal in authority to the written law. Jesus makes it clear that the Old Testament traditions came from God, while their traditions are simply the pronouncements of human elders.

Jesus does not say the tradition of eating kosher foods and washing hands is wrong; he did say that people who concern themselves with the outer observance of the law are missing the point of what God has designed as worship. He says traditions are wrong when they become more important than obeying God’s direct command or even elevating the tradition above God himself. We become blinded by keeping traditions and ignoring the ways God directs us because they mess with our traditions. Theologian and author N.T. Wright writes, “By focusing on outward purity, they are avoiding the much deeper challenge of the gospel, the challenge to the human heart.” Jesus is saying that external purity does not matter as much as the internal change of heart. The Pharisees are concerned with keeping the outer physical laws such as washing hands, ceremonial cleanliness, and food. Yet, they were missing the fact that God is more concerned with their internal purity rather than keeping empty traditions. True cleansing from God comes from the inside (changed heart) and not just external law observances.
Jesus, therefore, lays down the gauntlet: The written word of God has higher authority than human tradition, and when humans make their traditions legally binding, they make the Word of God empty of true authority.

Col. 2:8: The Apostle Paul warns the Colossians about following the traditions of man over the ways of Jesus. Apparently, they were easy prey to philosophical ideas and deceit which is grounded in human tradition.

Isaiah 1:12-14: God declares that he hates the traditions of their Feasts because they have turned into empty ceremonies, and the nation itself is so entrenched in its sin that they have virtually forgotten about God.
​
Balancing Tradition with Scriptural Truth
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for allowing human traditions to override God’s commandments. Thus, any tradition, whether sacred or man-made, must be evaluated against the truth of Scripture.

• Discernment: Churches should discern which traditions help in worshiping God in spirit and truth and which may hinder or distract from it.
• Flexibility: While maintaining sacred traditions, churches can adapt human traditions to better meet the needs of their congregations without compromising biblical principles.
• Focus on God’s Truth: Any tradition, regardless of origin, should ultimately point believers towards a deeper relationship with God and adherence to His word.

Conclusion
God values traditions within the church when they are rooted in biblical truth and uphold the fundamental principles of the faith. By carefully balancing sacred traditions with human customs, the church can promote a worship experience that is thoughtful, creative, and spiritually nourishing. This ensures that traditions enhance rather than overshadow the essence of the faith, enabling the congregation to honor God fully and meet the spiritual needs of its members. This approach allows the church to remain an exciting and relevant community of believers, united in their devotion and purpose to God.

---