When Tradition Replaces Truth

Jesus never held back when it came to the truth. He didn’t go easy on the religious leaders of His day. While they were busy keeping their traditions, they were ignoring the very Word of God. They looked holy on the outside, but their hearts were far from God.

Jesus called them out for using man-made rules to get around what God had clearly commanded. Instead of honoring their parents like Scripture said, they came up with a way to avoid it—claiming their money or possessions were “set apart for God.” But it wasn’t obedience. It was an excuse. It was rebellion dressed up like religion.

   “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men”  He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.” Mark 7:8–9

Those words ought to stop every believer in their tracks. Jesus isn’t just talking about the Pharisees—He’s talking to anyone who’s more loyal to habit, custom, or religious routine than to the truth of God’s Word.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
Colossians 2:8

There’s danger in tradition when it isn’t rooted in Scripture. Just because something is “how we’ve always done it” doesn’t mean it’s of God. Paul warns the church at Colossae not to get pulled into man-made ideas or worldly thinking disguised as truth.

“And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.” Galatians 1:14

Paul knew firsthand what it meant to be caught up in tradition. He was more zealous than most—but zealous for the wrong thing. His devotion to tradition actually blinded him to the truth, until Christ opened his eyes on the Damascus road.

“Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” Matthew 15:3–6

Jesus repeats this point because it matters deeply. The Word of God is not something we twist or ignore to fit our convenience. If tradition leads us to disobey God—even with good intentions—it’s not holiness, it’s hypocrisy.

“Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18–19

Tradition didn’t save us. The blood of Christ did. We were bought out of that “empty way of life” we inherited—those old patterns and rules and routines that looked religious but couldn’t redeem a soul. Only Jesus can do that. And He doesn’t want our tradition—He wants our obedience.

Truth always outranks tradition. Always.
Are you following God’s Word—or are you following the traditions of men?

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)