We cannot prefer "form" over "substance". -Wednesday evening Bible study notes
We use the word today to refer to people who pretend to be one thing when they are actually something else. People who pretend to be your friend while stabbing you in the back are hypocrites. People who live one way at church and another way at home are hypocrites. People who attempt to do wicked things under the radar while acting like all is well are hypocrites. Now, there should be no people like that in the church, but sadly, there are some in every congregation.
And “If a hypocrite is standing between you and God, the hypocrite is closer to God than you are.”
Hypocrites are nothing new! In this passage, Jesus has an encounter with a whole group of hypocrites. They have come from Jerusalem, They came to watch Him in order to find fault with Him and His ministry. When they arrive and begin to watch Jesus, it does not take them long to find something to complain about.
These men see the disciples of Jesus eating food without washing their hands and they are offended. They attack Jesus over this issue, but He turns the tables on them. They think the issue is one of clean hands, but Jesus shows them that the issue is really about clean hearts. For the Pharisees it is adherence to the Law. Man’s Law… In verses 6-9 Jesus condemns their legalism. He accuses these men of being hypocrites. He quotes Isaiah 29:13 and accuses them of elevating their traditions to the point that they carry more weight that the Word of God..
This text has something to say to us today. We still have those people who are more concerned about clean hands than they are about clean hearts. Jesus teaches us that the inside of a person should match the outside of that person. He teaches us that what we are in our heart is what we really are! He is going to teach us that hypocrisy has no place in our lives. He is going to teach us that true defilement comes from the inside, not from the outside!
Jesus reveals these religious hypocrites for what they are. As we should do, let Him speak to your heart today. It may be that you will see that in your quest for clean hands, that you still have a heart that needs cleansing as well. How refreshing it is to understand this and be therefore washed by the holy spirit. (I think we could all use a little scrubbing in this regard )
We cannot prefer form over substance. “Form” would be the traditions or rituals which may not be harmful in and of themselves; except when the traditions, rituals and the Law
(or church regulations )take precedence over that which is substantive in our hearts and in our lives. Let us not be caught up in “form” but live by the example and teaching of Jesus Christ and the Grace of God. And let our works and words match our hearts desires as we move forward or onward in the way of the Lord.
When we do this God will provide Hope where there would be otherwise hopelessness, Love where there would be emptiness and desperation ….and there will be strength where weakness, indecisiveness and fear may otherwise rule our lives. We can believe these things to be true if we are also true in our minds and in our hearts; If we are true in our minds and hearts it will manifest in our lives for all to see. What a wonderful bit of light in a dark and threatening world. The pathway of hypocrisy is a dimly lit and dangerous direction…The dishonest nature of it creates bitter outcomes naturally as well as hollowness spiritually. It is a costly deception but the one that is most deceived, the one paying the highest price would be yourself… What dwells in your heart is what you really are! Let’s obey His voice right now.
An overview of chapter 7 tells us that this chapter explores Jesus' relationships with both fellow Jews and Gentiles. Jesus speaks with the Pharisees and scribes, and then with his disciples, about defilement, and then heals two gentiles. It is both reflective of Jesus' own view and of the conflict between Jewish and Gentile converts in the early Church. We thank Mark for recording this wonderful word for us.
There had never arisen a prophet like Jesus. Not recorded before his birth or since his Crucifixion; even until now… He spoke with divine authority which has resonated through the ages. He acted with sovereign power. He literally fulfilled the Scriptures. Love, wisdom and power filled everything He did. He performed many amazing and startling miracles. Yet, the legalistic Pharisees could not believe..”would” not believe, that He was from God because He allowed His men to eat without washing their hands. How utterly hypocritical and spiritually blind they were! Sadly, that same attitude is still with us today!
We ask Lord that you come to us and be with us tonight. Guide us in our fellowship and grant us wisdom always…
Thank you Lord for the revelations that you have given us, for opening our eyes to your words albeit little by little as you see fit. As always we ask for your blessings on each one of us who study your word and who keep the fellowship and brotherly love as has been exemplified in the first churches. As we go forward give us the wisdom to see the examples before us,in your word, and apply them in our lives daily. Help us to uncover the gifts that you have given us and to use them in ways that would be pleasing to you.
We ask tonight that for your healing hand upon us that we may be cleansed spiritually and physically…
Help those who are helpless Lord; those who don’t even have basic human needs met like food , shelter, clean water and medicine.. Give strength and hope and rest also to the caretakers ..
We ask these things in Jesus name......
Amen
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