The Corrupting Power of Apostasy: Matthew 15:1-9
“1) Then some Pharisees and scribes *came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2) “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3) And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4) For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5) But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” 6) he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7) You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 8) ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 9) But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ”” Matthew‬ ‭15‬:1-9
Matthew now relates a story of an encounter between Jesus and some Pharisees and scribes that exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of man made religion. Pay very close attention to this story, because it exposes the apostasy that Paul warned would accompany the end times. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Timothy 3:1-4:8)
But wait a minute; “What is apostasy?” You might not even be familiar with the term. It is basically a drift away from truth into deception. It is the concept of churches and religious institutions replacing biblical standards with worldly values and then condoning them in the name of “God.” Let’s see how this text exposes the drift of apostasy.
As the story opens, we discover some snoopy religious police were trying to dig up fault in Jesus and His disciples. They were seeking evidence to accuse and discredit Him. Beware of the self appointed religious critics!
Shortly, they brought an accusation against Jesus related to His disciples not ceremonially washing their hands before a meal according to the tradition of the religious elders. I sincerely doubt a group of former fisherman, tax gathers and sinners cared diddly squat about traditional legalistic hand washing. But the Pharisees and scribes were now measuring Jesus and His disciples by the “man made” traditions of the religious elite.
Jesus used this accusation to expose their own hypocrisy. He asks them the question; “3) … And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” What was Jesus talking about?
The religious elders adopted a tradition that excused those who claimed to be dedicated to God from caring for their aging parents. They were somehow “off the hook” and above the commandments of God.
But their tradition was not taught in the Bible. It was not only extra-biblical, it was contrary to the clear teaching of the Word of God as expressed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord you God gives you.”
Now think with me; how can religious leaders arrive at conclusions totally opposite and contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible? Could it happen today? Let’s continue with the story.
Jesus summarized the severity of their hypocrisy in verse 6 when He said; “And thus you invalidate the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” They had become pious religious hypocrites with traditions 180 degrees opposite of the clear teaching of the word of God, and yet they presented themselves as the religious authorities and the guardians of truth.
How does this happen? How can church practices, values, teachings and traditions end up totally contrary to Scripture? Worse yet, how can supposed “spiritual leaders” use heretical positions to condemn the righteous? Beware! This is happening today with alarming frequency today!
Jesus then quoted from Isaiah to drive home His argument; “8) This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 9) But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ”” It is possible for worship to be invalidated by replacing godliness with wickedness and embracing immorality in the name of “God!”
This encounter becomes a warning of the corrupting power of apostasy. Don’t be fooled by the outer cloak of “religion.” If the morals, values and traditions of any spiritual leader, church or denomination do not square with the clear teaching of Scripture, it is rooted in the spirit of anti-Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global