Matthew 15:1-9
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s story takes place on the far shore of the Sea of Galilee – an area populated by Jews and Gentiles. Read Matthew 15:1-9 noting anything that stands out to you.
The Pharisees in this passage have gone to an awful lot of trouble to bring their complaint to Jesus. Their traditional hand-washing ceremony seems inordinately important to them as evidenced by their keen interest in the alleged infractions by Jesus’ followers. They appear to be more interested in the violations of their tradition than with the miraculous healings of a multitude of people.
When we become emotionally attached to an idea or tradition and someone else thinks or acts differently, it can be very hard to take a step back and examine our negative reactions. And if we’re not careful, our preoccupation with perceived offenses can blind us to the bigger story happening all around us.
Go to silence for a moment. Notice any tension you are carrying in your body and release it as you breathe in and out. Consider asking the Holy Spirit to search your mind and heart and point out any ideas or traditions to which you are holding a little too tightly. Stay with this as long as you need sharing your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read Matthew 15:1-9 again paying special attention to the way Jesus answers the offended Pharisees.
These Pharisees have not only been oblivious to the bigger picture; they have entirely missed the point of God’s commands. They value tradition over people and are more concerned with ceremony than with compassion.
Traditions can be helpful to remind us of larger truths about ourselves and God, and when practiced with awareness, they can help open us up to God’s transforming power. But traditions are not an end unto themselves.
At times everyone who follows Jesus gets distracted and worships God without complete awareness. But when our lives and actions consistently fail to reflect the heart of God, we need to reevaluate our practices.
For the last few minutes of this time of meditation, take stock of your own traditions – things like attending worship services, having a set-apart time to read your Bible and pray, or any other acts of worship you practice regularly.
Picture yourself taking these practices one-by-one to Jesus and laying them down at his feet. When they are all set before him, get quiet and listen to him.
What might Jesus be saying to you today, or what might he be inviting you to do?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
