Jesus vs Pharisees: Tradition and Miracles

Sep 30, 2024

Lecture Notes: Jesus and the Traditions of the Pharisees

Introduction

  • Context: Pharisees and teachers of the law confront Jesus.
  • Issue: Disciples eating with unwashed hands.

Traditions vs. Commands of God

  • Pharisaic Traditions:
    • Ceremonial washing of hands before meals.
    • Washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles as per the tradition of the elders.
  • Jesus’ Response:
    • Accuses Pharisees of hypocrisy; emphasizes lip service over genuine faith.
    • Criticizes them for prioritizing human traditions over God’s commands.
  • Example of Tradition Over Command:
    • Pharisees allow Corban (offering to God) to circumvent the command to honor parents.
    • Result: Nullification of God's word due to human tradition.

True Defilement

  • Teaching to the Crowd:

    • External factors do not defile a person.
    • Defilement comes from within, from the heart.

  • List of Defiling Aspects:

    • Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, etc.

Jesus’ Miracles and Encounters

Encounter with the Syrophoenician Woman

  • Context: Jesus in Tyre seeks privacy.
  • Miracle: Woman requests healing for demon-possessed daughter.
    • Jesus’ initial response: Prioritizes children (Israel) over "dogs" (Gentiles).
    • Woman’s persistence: Illustrates faith and humility.
    • Result: Daughter is healed.

Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

  • Location: Region of the Decapolis.

  • Miracle Details:

    • Jesus heals a deaf man with speech impediment.
    • Method: Physical touch (fingers in ears, spit on tongue).
    • Command: "Ephphatha" (Be opened) leads to immediate healing.

  • Public Reaction:

    • People are amazed and spread the word despite Jesus’ command for silence.
    • Recognition of Jesus’ miraculous abilities: "He has done everything well."

Conclusion

  • Key Themes:
    • The importance of inner purity over external rituals.
    • Demonstration of Jesus’ authority through miracles.
    • Continuation of Jesus’ ministry despite attempts to maintain privacy.

These notes summarize Jesus’ teachings on tradition versus commandment, as well as his miraculous healings, illustrating both his critiques of religious practices of the time and his compassion and power in healing.