Notes on Matthew Ch.15-28
Ch.15 3-9. He is breaking the tradition of the elders, to bring these lost sheep back to the pure Law of God. The Pharisees were using their traditions to control the people, while at the same time making themselves look pious and holy: See Matthew 23. Jesus has come, not only to uphold the Law, but fulfill it - every jot and tittle - perfectly; And in doing this, he will expose the true thoughts and intentions of everyone. Vs.4-9 In “pretending” to keep the Law, (through appearing righteous) Jesus is showing them that they have broken it at its most fundamental level. The traditions of the elders: The Oral Torah: extra laws and traditions, said to be handed down from Moses along with the Ten Commandments; these were not written - but spoken. As a result, these can be changed and added to, by the teachers if the Law, whenever it suits them: But we know that the Word of God does not change - as surely as Gods does not change. Psalm 91:10 I seek you...