WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
Scripture: Matthew 15:1-6

Matthew 15:1-6 says, “Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.’ He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, “Honor your father and your mother”; and, “He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.” But you say, “Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’— then he need not honor his father or mother.” Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.’” Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees that their tradition was making the Word of God ineffective. Is our tradition making the Word of no effect? Did we grow up in a church or denomination with a tradition that was against tongues? Jesus is clear about the fruit of choosing tradition. “For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say,…” God commanded one thing and the Pharisees dared say another. They made the Word of God of no effect through clinging relentlessly to their tradition. Following Jesus means saying yes to the Holy Spirit. Saying yes to the Holy Spirit means praying in tongues!