Mark 7: 1 Commentary

Gabriel,
I think that you may receive this commentary through e-mail.Please refer commentaries for the verses Mark 7:14,30& 31.
See Jeyant Christian’s comments on Mark 7:27 also.
In Mark 7:1-13,we find the conflict of Jesus with the religious leaders and in Mark 7:14-23 Jesus has described what really defiles man.See also Matt.
15:1-20 .
We must note that Matthew has written primarily to the Jews and Mark to the non-Jewish readers,Romans.
CONFLICT WITH THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS:Mark 7:1-13(Matt.15:1-9)The Pharisees and certain of the Scribes came from Jerusalem for investigation.They
noticed some of the disciples of Jesus ate bread without washing their hands & found fault.The religious leaders did not insist washing of hands for health reasons but for ceremonial reasons.Mark gives explanation about ceremonial washings in verses 3 & 4 to the non-Jewish readers.The Pharisees questioned Jesus why his disciples did not follow the tradition of elders w by eating bread without washing hands.
Jesus quoted Isaiah 29:13 & pointed out that the religious leaders were only hypocrites.The prophet Isaiah had spoken about them only as they neglected the commandments of God, holding the tradition of men.Tradition is the oral teaching of the Jewish Rabbis.When the commandments of God were not given importance over the tradition of men,Jesus denounced the tradition
of men.
As illustration,Jesus mentioned about keeping the 5th commandment (of the 10 commandments)as quoted in the Old Testament.(Ex.20:12;21:17;Lev.20:9;
Deut.5:16).Jesus used the technical term Corban.We find the word in Mark’s Gospel only.(Mark 7:11;Matt.15:5)It is a Hebrew word.It was a gift or offering to God.If an offering was made by a person to God,he was exempted from the duty of maintaining his parents.Thus the tradition of men gave room to neglect the commandment of God.This is only a case point.There were many such things they did.Jesus pointed out that keeping the commandment of God is important.Importance must be given to the Word of God.(Mark 7:13)

By Alex (wrote 499 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 2/27/2009 00:03 am

Grateful if commentary on Mark Chapter 7 is sent to me thru the above e-mail address.

Regards.

By Gabriel Bansah (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 11/18/2008 18:36 pm