Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

A dear friend recently posed a question about the activities of Matthew 15 and the answers that came out of that question were varied and valid all to a point. But if we boil down the essential issues it comes down to the exercise of traditions over obedience of faith. When do traditions replace love?

Tradition is the observation of ceremony above ideals. Traditions change, they are compromised by influence of power and authority. Some have gone on so long that the original meaning is lost and all that is left is meaningless observance.

This holiday season is a prime example of traditional influence. Different cultures observe different traditions. Some people respect and honor their parental traditions more than others. People may be married into families with vastly divergent national origins. Some hold to no observation beyond having paid time leave for a few days.

I found it interesting that Jesus answered this particular test with this verse.

Matthew 15:3-4a But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother:

It is obvious to me that the two are linked because Jesus answered the test in this manner. The honoring of mother and father in tradition are fine as long as they are not used to transgress God’s commanments.

We cannot do much of anything about the person who sees the holiday only as paid vacation. We can however observe the traditional goal of the season, the commandment.

1 Timothy 1:5 The purpose of this command is for people to have love, a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith. (NCV)

Matthew 1:20-21 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

In life group last night the question was asked, “When did Joseph marry Mary?” Interesting question. I wasn’t sure. This is something I would have to research. As I opened my bible to search this verse appeared before me. We had been reading from Luke 1 and 2 last night, so this verse had not been read.

Notice the angel refers to Mary as “thy wife”. Joseph had not yet received her into his home. The custom of those times was that the parents of children formed a contract of betrothal which as an agreed upon amount of a dowry was paid for the bride, that wedding contract was binding, even though they lived apart until their home was ready for the groom to receive her.

Matthew 1:24-25 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Although there is no mention of a wedding feast, verse 24 implies that Joseph fulfilled this portion of the wedding contract immediately after waking from the dream in which the angel spoke to him. The third part of the contract was not performed until after Jesus was born, the consummation of the marriage.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

If you have received Jesus Christ into your heart, you are the bride and await His coming to take you into that home prepared for you.