Question about Matthew 15:1-20

[Phillipos]

I have been doing research lately on the role of tradition in the church. I understand that the apostles understood the importance of tradition being handed down to the next generation of believers to pass down throughout the ages. However, Im having trouble reconciling Matthee 15:1-20 where Jesus lashes out at the pharisees about their use of tradition, especially in verse 6 where they nullify the word of God by their tradition. Is this a mis translation on purpose or what?

thanks, Phillipos

 

[humble_maid]

God Bless You Phillipos,

I will attempt to help you on this; here is the link to which you will find an answer.
newadvent.org/bible/mat015.htm
This is an exerpt of what you will find. Hope it helps.
1 Then came to him from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees, saying: 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the ancients? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answering, said to them: Why do you also transgress the commandment of God for your tradition? For God said: 4 Honour thy father and mother: And: He that shall curse father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But you say: Whosoever shall say to father or mother, The gift whatsoever proceedeth from me, shall profit thee. The gift, etc… That is, the offering that I shall make to God, shall be instead of that which should be expended for thy profit. This tradition of the Pharisees was calculated to enrich themselves; by exempting children from giving any further assistance to their parents, if they once offered to the temple and the priests, that which should have been the support of their parents. But this was a violation of the law of God, and of nature, which our Saviour here condemns. 6 And he shall not honour his father or his mother: and you have made void the commandment of God for your tradition.

 

[Nine_Two]

Tradition by itself is not necessarily good, however one would also be wrong to say all tradition is evil. I’m not sure about Catholics, but in the East there is tradition, and there is Holy Tradition. The first category refers to customs and whatnot (the sort of thing Jesus was talking about there), every once in a while something that isn’t good may seep into tradition (since it is always in flux it is easy enough for innovations to come into play). Holy Tradition is more than this and forms the basis of the teachings of the Church, and the scriptures themselves form a part of this (albeit a very major part).