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Explanation for:
Matthew
15
:
2
Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the ancients? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Observe how their very inquiry entraps them. They do not ask, \\"Why do Your disciples violate the law of Moses?\\" but rather, \\"Why do they break the tradition of the elders?\\" This reveals that the priests instituted numerous new practices, even though Moses explicitly warned against adding to or subtracting from the law under severe consequences, stating, \\"Lest you add to the word which I command you this day, lest you take away from it\\" (Deuteronomy 4:2). Yet, they proceeded to implement additional rules, such as the prohibition on eating with unwashed hands, the requirement to cleanse bowls and pots, and the necessity of ritual washings. Instead of discarding outdated customs, the Jewish leaders imposed further restrictions out of fear of losing their authority, hoping to instill greater fear as they positioned themselves as enforcers of the law. Thus, it became a perverse situation where their mandates were upheld while God's commands were neglected, and their influence was such that this disregard was no longer deemed wrong. They were guilty on multiple counts: for instituting new decrees, for ignoring God’s commandments, and for tampering with their own regulations. By failing to mention other trivial rituals that deserve ridicule, such as the washing of pitchers and pots, they highlighted what seemed more significant, seemingly attempting to provoke the Lord to anger. This is why the elders were mentioned; it provided them with a rationale to accuse the Lord should He be disrespected. But first, why did the disciples eat without washing their hands? They did so not out of disregard, but because they dismissed the unnecessary and focused on what was essential. They did not view washing as a binding law, nor did they see it as a sin to remain unwashed, opting instead for what circumstances dictated. Could they prioritize such external things when they were not even concerned with the basic sustenance they required? Frequently compelled to eat with unwashed hands, whether in the wilderness or while gathering grain, they were criticized by those who neglected the weightier matters yet fixated on trivialities."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The ignorance displayed by the scribes and Pharisees is remarkable, as they criticize the Son of God for failing to adhere to human customs and rules. Indeed, it is essential to cleanse the hands, symbolizing actions; however, the emphasis should be on purifying the soul rather than merely physical deeds, so that the Word of God may reside within them."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Jewish people, adhering to human customs, overlooked the commandments of God, while the disciples, valuing divine precepts, bypassed these human customs and refrained from washing their hands before eating bread, for he who is completely cleansed has no need to wash his hands, as stated in John 13:9. Jesus washed their feet, indicating that no further washing was necessary, for through one baptism He nullified the requirement for multiple baptisms, aligning with Ephesians 4:5. Thus, those whom the Church has baptized require no further baptism. The disciples understood the deeper significance, prioritizing the purity of their souls over that of their bodies. The Jewish leaders criticized them for this, but the Lord will respond to their concerns, highlighting that they focus on trivial matters while overlooking what is truly significant."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Some Jewish leaders had established rules stating that one should not eat or touch anything without first washing their hands. However, this requirement pertains to human traditions and does nothing to contribute to salvation. Thus, such customs of the elders are essentially ineffective and offer no real benefit to humanity. There is no basis for this tradition, nor is it detrimental to ignore it. Ultimately, God is not focused on whether a person cleans their hands prior to meals; rather, He cares about the condition of one's heart and whether thoughts are free from the defilement of sin. Indeed, what value is there in cleansing hands if the conscience remains tainted? The Lord's disciples were pure in heart and guided by a clear conscience, which is why they had little need for hand-washing, having already been fully cleansed through baptism, in accordance with the Lord’s words to Peter, ‘He that was washed need only wash his feet, for he is clean throughout; and ye are clean (John 13:10)."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Jewish people held a long-standing tradition of refraining from eating without first washing their hands. Observing that the disciples ignored this practice, they believed that the elders’ efforts were in vain. How does the Savior respond? Instead of addressing their concern directly, He poses a question to them."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In all twelve tribes, there existed scribes and Pharisees, yet the most egregious among them were those from Jerusalem, as their residence in the capital instilled a sense of superiority. Witnessing the profound faith of the populace, they sought to undermine it. Unable to directly criticize Jesus Christ, they shifted their accusations toward His disciples, claiming they violated human traditions rather than the divine law. It was not God’s commandments that mandated washing before eating, but the customs established by the elders. Mark notes that \\"the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, holding fast to the tradition of the elders; and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash\\" (Mark 7:3-4). Additionally, there were numerous other practices they adhered to, such as various forms of ritual cleansing for vessels and furniture. The term for washing (πυγμη) refers to a cleansing that extends to the elbows. They meticulously purified bowls, cups, pots, and pews, believing this would sanctify them. In their pursuit of such innovations, they transgressed the true law while upholding these trivial customs. Conversely, the disciples chose not to follow these traditions, often dining with unwashed hands. Why was this the case? Their focus on righteousness led them to disregard such physical rituals, recognizing that these practices bore no impact on the soul."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon their arrival, the observers were shocked to witness what they deemed a grievous breach of the tradition of the elders by the disciples of Jesus: they partook of bread with unclean hands! The Pharisees, who held that true holiness resided in the meticulous adherence to the laws and customs established by tradition, were appalled by the misconduct they attributed to Jesus' closest followers, which they assumed was conducted with the awareness or even consent of their Teacher. Consequently, they swiftly began to admonish these alleged transgressors of the sacred traditions. The apostles likely remained silent in response to the Pharisees’ condemnation. In the absence of a reply, the Pharisees and scribes posed a question directly to Jesus: why do Your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but consume bread with unwashed hands?"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The individuals violate the customs of the elders; these customs encompass the traditions orally transmitted from generation to generation, not documented in writings at that time. More specifically, it refers to practices and regulations not explicitly recorded in the Mosaic Law yet believed to originate from Moses through tradition. The Jewish people held the belief that Moses received two laws at Sinai: one inscribed in his writings and the other not written down, which was communicated orally from parents to their children and later recorded in the Talmud. They thought that before his passing, Moses entrusted this oral tradition to Joshua, who then conveyed it to the judges, followed by the prophets, until it was finally documented. This oral tradition is referred to as the tradition of the ‘elders,’ indicating its age and the belief among the Jews that it carried significant authority. Despite the often trivial nature of these traditions, the Jews attributed them greater value than the commands found in Scripture. The adherence to such customs sparked disputes between the Pharisees and Sadducees, with the latter downplaying the importance of these traditions. Nevertheless, the practice of washing hands before eating was widely observed among the Jews. This ritual seemed to stem from a desire for cleanliness and order, a commendable intention, but they transformed this practice into a cumbersome obligation. They imposed numerous petty regulations concerning the amount of water, method of washing, and number of times to wash the hands, creating a burden. The Jewish community, however, was neglectful in their adherence to the handwashing custom; while normally they disregarded it, the Pharisees, in a bid to maintain authority and control, enforced even stricter regulations. This led to a grim reality where their man-made commands were dutifully followed while God’s commandments were disregarded. Thus, they faced a twofold indictment: for imposing new laws and for neglecting divine commands, and further for their own interference. But why did the disciples eat with unwashed hands? They acted not out of disregard but because they deemed the practice redundant, focusing instead on what was essential. They did not see it as a mandate to wash or not wash their hands, but approached it with a pragmatic mindset based on circumstance."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The disciples, as St. Chrysostom notes, acted without deliberate intention, simply because they did not see either cleaning or remaining unclean as a strict obligation. They acted according to the circumstances. How could they be concerned with such matters when they were not even focused on the food essential for their survival? There were times, such as in the wilderness or when gathering grain, when they had to eat with unwashed hands. The Lord neither criticized nor defended the behavior of His disciples; instead, He responded to the Pharisees' accusations with an accusation of His own, 'quieting their arrogance and illustrating that one who transgresses in significant ways should not be overly concerned about the minor shortcomings of others' (St. John Chrysostom)."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Among those who listened to Jesus Christ, the \\"Jews\\" refers not to the everyday people but rather to the scribes and Pharisees, who have increasingly become prominent in recent times. Many of them, having heard of the Savior's sermons and miracles performed in the cities of Galilee, deliberately traveled from Jerusalem to follow Him, aiming to prepare the grounds for a formal indictment regarding His alleged subversion of the teachings and law of Moses. The Savior's recent discourse on communion seemed to enrage them, prompting them to inform Jerusalem that plans should be made to eliminate the prophet they despised by the time of the Passover celebration. However, Christ, aware of the sinister plans devised by evil forces, chose to remain in Galilee during the Passover, continuing His mission for humanity's redemption. Following the failure of their treacherous plot, the Jews reappeared in Galilee after the feast, once again pursuing the Savior and seeking opportunities to accuse Him of violating the law. They soon found a situation that they believed could serve as grounds for their accusations, yet it only revealed their own hypocrisy. The Jewish legalists not only adhered to the law of Moses but over time added numerous arbitrary rules and regulations, often placing greater weight on these than on God’s own law. These added stipulations were strictly enforced by the scribes and Pharisees, who regarded them as a \\"protective barrier\\" around the law, despite the fact that they frequently contradicted the latter and masked their own deceitfulness. When they observed that the disciples of Jesus did not wash their hands before meals, they considered this a grave offense—equating it in severity, according to rabbinic interpretation, to consuming pork. According to these strict legalists, \\"Anyone who eats without washing his hands must be cast out from society, for the act of washing hands embodies the essence of the Ten Commandments,” and further claimed, “he deserves death,” “as a murderer,” and so forth."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord Jesus Christ, aware that His hour had not yet arrived (John 7:6), refrained from traveling to Judea, for, as the apostle John noted, the Jews sought to put Him to death (v. 1). For a time, He evaded their malice and ministered throughout Galilee (v. 1). However, His adversaries continued to closely monitor Him; the Pharisees and scribes journeyed from Jerusalem specifically to scrutinize His every act and word. Eventually, a seemingly trivial event provided them with grounds to accuse His disciples of neglecting the traditions of the elders. \\n\\nWithin Jewish thought, it was generally accepted that alongside the written Law, God had imparted an unwritten law to Moses, which was transmitted orally from one leader to another—from Moses to Joshua, and then to the judges and prophets. This oral law, distinct from the written commandments, consisted of the interpretations and teachings of various rabbis over the years. Though the oral law was not part of the written scriptures, it gained widespread reverence among the people. Under the influence of the scribes and Pharisees, many prioritized the letter of these traditions over the true spirit of God's commandments, sometimes even substituting human customs for divine principles. \\n\\nThe oral traditions, referred to as the 'traditions of the elders,' included numerous minor, often trivial, regulations that were followed rigorously—far more so than the moral imperatives set forth in the Pentateuch. This entanglement with deceptive interpretations caused the people of Judea to bear heavy burdens unnecessarily (Matt. 23:4). In this instance, the Pharisees and scribes confronted the disciples of Jesus for not adhering to the customary washings. The Law of Moses (Lev., ch. 11) meticulously categorized clean and unclean animals, declaring that touching anything unclean made a person ritually impure until evening. Items that came into contact with unclean objects had to be immersed in water, and earthenware vessels were to be shattered (vv. 24-25, 32-33). \\n\\nIn their desire for extreme adherence, Jewish legalists added a requirement to wash hands before meals to prevent any potential transfer of uncleanness from unwashed hands to food, even inadvertently. They justified this interpretation through the 'tradition of the elders,' bolstered by a multitude of trivial regulations. The fact that these rules, which eventually became incorporated into the Talmud, were regarded as binding during Christ’s ministry is evident from the words of the evangelist Mark: \\"The Pharisees and all Jews, unless they wash their hands in a special way, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders; and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and uphold” (7:3-4). \\n\\nWhen the Pharisees and scribes observed some of Jesus' disciples eating bread with unwashed hands, they first rebuked them and then posed the question to the Master: \\"Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?\\" The disciples did not act out of disregard, as St. John Chrysostom points out; rather, they recognized these additional regulations as excessive and prioritized fulfilling what was truly necessary."}]}
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