Gospel of Mark Bible Part 37: Danger of Tradition [Bible Study]

Scripture Focus

Mark 7:1–13 (read from the LSB)

Introduction

With Reformation Day approaching, Mark highlights a perennial danger: elevating human tradition over divine command. In Mark 7, Jesus confronts leaders who prized inherited practices while neglecting God’s clear will. Our aim is to discern when traditions serve the truth—and when they smother it.

Background & Key Ideas

1. .The term “tradition” (Greek paradosis) means a handing down or passing along (by word or writing). Scripture uses “tradition” in two ways:– Apostolic tradition that Christians are to keep (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).– Human traditions that can oppose or dilute God’s Word (Mark 7:3–13; Matthew 15:2–6; Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:18).

   
   

2. .“Tradition of the elders” developed as layered oral rulings (ritual washings, purity customs, etc.). Jesus honored God’s written Law and sometimes observed neutral customs (e.g., attending feasts; cf. John 2:1–2, John 10:22–23), but He rejected traditions that contradicted Scripture (cf. Mark 2:23–28, Mark 7:1–13).

   
   

3. .Many churches (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and others) maintain traditions. Traditions can help (clarity, order, continuity) or harm (legalism, empty ritual, distraction). The biblical test is whether a practice accords with, serves, and submits to Scripture.

Exposition Summary (Mark 7:1–13)

Charge: Leaders question Jesus because His disciples eat without ritual handwashing (Mark 7:1–5).

Diagnosis: Jesus cites Isaiah—lip-honor with far hearts; worship becomes “vain” when human commands are taught as doctrines (Mark 7:6–8).• Example: “Corban”—a rule that let people dodge caring for parents, nullifying God’s command (Mark 7:9–13; cf. Exodus 20:12; 1 Timothy 5:8).

Big Warnings from Jesus

1. Hypocritical worship• When ritual outruns the heart, our lips say “Lord,” but our lives say otherwise (Mark 7:6–7).

   
   

2. Vain worship• When human rules are elevated to God-level, worship looks impressive but is empty (Mark 7:7–8; cf. Colossians 2:18–23).

   
   

3. Nullifying God’s Word• Traditions that excuse disobedience make God’s command “void” (Mark 7:9–13; cf. 1 Timothy 5:8).

   
   

Discernment Grid: When Is a Tradition Helpful vs. Harmful?

Ask of any practice:

1. Scriptural submission: Does it clearly agree with and serve the plain sense of Scripture? (Colossians 2:8)

2. Christ-centeredness: Does it fix attention on Christ’s finished work and Lordship? (Colossians 2:19)

3. Heart engagement: Does it cultivate love for God and neighbor, not mere performance? (Mark 12:29–31)

4. Fruit: Does it yield holiness, humility, and love? (Galatians 5:22–23)

5. Edification: Does it build up the church without binding consciences beyond Scripture? (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Application

Identify one cherished practice you hold. Using the grid above, test it by Mark 7:1–13. Keep what serves Scripture; revise or remove what doesn’t.

Family care over “religious” image: Prioritize biblical duties (e.g., caring for parents) over appearances (1 Timothy 5:8).

Enjoy helpful rhythms (creeds, calendars, liturgies, membership processes), but refuse to make them terms of righteousness or fellowship unless Scripture requires them.

Discussion Questions (one at a time)

1. In your own words, what is the difference between apostolic tradition and human tradition? (2 Thessalonians 2:15 vs. Mark 7:8)

2. Why does Jesus call the worship in Mark 7:6–7 “vain”? What makes worship “vain” today?

3. How might “good” traditions slowly become binding rules?

4. What modern examples function like “Corban,” excusing disobedience to clear commands?

5. Where have you seen rituals disconnect from the heart? What rekindles true devotion?

6. How can leaders guard a church so customs remain servants—not masters—of Scripture?

7. Apply the discernment grid to one church tradition you value. What stays? What changes?

8. What safeguards help us keep first things first (Word, prayer, sacraments/ordinances, love)?

Memory Verse (LSB)

Consider memorizing Mark 7:8 (LSB).(Encourage your group to quote it from their LSB Bibles this week.)

Closing Challenge

Honor the Lord by letting Scripture rule over every practice. Keep traditions that amplify obedience and love; lay aside any that compete with God’s commands.

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