The Pharisees came a long way to get into an argument with Jesus about the importance of washing your hands before you eat. What we see is a group of people who simply missed the point. It is a great irony that Jesus points out to us the life and freedom wasted when we believe life revolves around us. It is that heart attitude that leads men to create more and more laws and traditions out of arrogance and self justification. Although the church today may not struggle with external washing, we have our own traditions and practices that take us away from the true worship instead of pushing us closer.

Additional Scripture References:

Hebrews 10:1-4; Hebrews 10:11-18; Mark 7:14-16; Isaiah 29:13-14