The Rules of the Pharisees and the Teaching of Jesus

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Third Edition

Gospel Mark 7:5–13 Christian Freedom

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with defiled hands?”

He answered them, “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me.

In vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines,

the commandments of men.

You have laid aside the commandment of God and held to the tradition of men.”

And he continued: “You skillfully nullify the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Whoever curses father or mother must be put to death.’ But you teach otherwise. If a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you might have received from me is now Corban,’ you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you make the word of God of none effect by your tradition, and by your teaching. And many other such things you do.” (Mark 7:5–13 Third Edition)

The Time of Jesus: Tradition and the Law

The Pharisees asked: “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the fathers, but eat their meals with defiled hands?” (Mark 7:5–13). This question opens a discussion that addresses profound themes about the importance of law, tradition, and divine love in Jesus’ teaching. Jesus’ teaching makes us wonder what it really means to live by law and love.

In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees and scribes enforced Jewish law. In addition to the Ten Commandments, there were over 600 different rules that had to be followed. This vast network of rules deeply influenced Jewish faith and daily life. For example, washing hands before a meal was not only a practice but also a community norm that was highly valued. The Pharisees’ primary role was to explain and enforce the law, and they saw the regulations as essential to achieving purity and holiness. In this regard, Jesus’ teaching met with strong opposition when he challenged their understanding of the law.

Love at the Center

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees was clear: they had forgotten God’s commandment and were focused solely on human rules. This reminds us that merely following external rules is not enough if the attitude of the heart is lacking. Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, which underlies all law. Love is not just an option; it is the law. When we examine laws in the light of love, their profound meaning is revealed. Without love, even the best intentions can lead to isolation and problems. For example, studies have shown that children who grow up in a loving environment are more likely to succeed in school and form more lasting relationships.

Law, Love, and Balance

Under the Old Covenant, the law was full of rules that could forget about love. God sent prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel to teach that the law is not just a collection of rules, but the implementation of love. In the words of Martin Luther, “No law, whether human or divine, is greater than love.” This shows that without love, the law loses its meaning.

Love and the law are like two sides of the same coin. Jesus teaches his followers that obeying the law in the name of love is vital. He challenges traditional interpretations and shows that mere outward actions can never be greater than a change of heart. Christian freedom comes from God’s grace. This freedom comes with love. We must live by love, not just by the letter of the law.

The Teachings of the Pharisees

The Pharisees emphasized external laws, but this can neglect the needs of the heart. Jesus challenges us with the question: what is truly important? The difference between God’s commandments and human rules is the key to how we can live according to God’s will. The Pharisees’ strict rules were part of their identity, but they could lead to isolation and judgment.

Jesus’ Teaching on Love

Jesus’ teaching is summed up in the message of love. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action. Love requires us to act for the good of others. Love is a constant state, and Jesus called his followers to be a light in the world. This light can only shine when it springs from love. Showing love is not only a duty, but also a spiritual calling.

The Differences Between Law and Love

It is important to understand that law and love can sometimes conflict. The law can be strict, while love is merciful. Jesus was not an enemy of the law, but he wanted to illuminate its roots. In particular, the difference between the Old Testament law and Jesus’ teachings on love raises the question: how do we reconcile the demands and the power of love?

Love is not lawlessness; it fulfills the law. The essence of Christianity is that laws are meant to be enforced from a perspective of love. Problems arise when the law is used to subjugate people rather than serve the well-being of the community.

Jesus as an opponent of the Pharisees

When Jesus challenged the teachings of the Pharisees, he was not just a critic of rules. He opened the eyes of those who considered traditional rules necessary. Jesus’ discussions show how he teaches us to understand the law through love rather than just blindly following it. Jesus is talking about freedom: the freedom to live according to God’s will. When our hearts are filled with love, we no longer see the laws as just rules revealed at that time, but we interpret them with love.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teaching on the Pharisees’ question contains teachings that are still relevant today. It is important to reflect on laws and rules from the perspective of love. We are all servants of God, and love is a sign of who we are. Doing love is not just an opportunity, but we have an obligation to live it. Only then can we understand the law in its deepest meaning.

Love is the law. By building bridges with love, we improve ourselves and the world around us. Learning and practicing love makes us more than just rule-followers; it makes us loving and compassionate. We continue with the deeper dimensions of love and its meaning in our daily lives. True understanding comes through loving and harmony.