The Pharisee Within

November 18th, 2024
by Michael Moos

Mark 7:1-13 – “Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

The Pharisee Within

The struggle between tradition and truth is nothing new; it’s a conflict that has echoed throughout history. In Mark 7, this tension comes to the surface as Jesus confronts the Pharisees. As we delve into this passage, it’s easy to point fingers and see Pharisees in others, but the real challenge lies in recognizing the Pharisee within ourselves.

The Trap of Tradition

Have you ever watched Fiddler on the Roof? The main character, Tevye, sings a memorable song called Tradition. It humorously captures how people cling to customs, often forgetting the deeper meaning behind them. It’s a reminder of how easily traditions can become a safety net—something to rely on instead of a way to grow closer to truth.

Mark 7 brings this concept to life. Like Tevye, the Pharisees held tightly to their traditions. They weren’t just preferences; these were practices elevated above God’s Word. In doing so, they created a hollow spirituality, missing the truth standing before them—Jesus.

They were worshiping the right God but in the wrong way. And while it’s easy to judge them, the same risk exists today. Churches can sometimes prioritize “the way it’s always been” over “the way it should be.” Systems and rituals can unintentionally overshadow the Savior.

The Pharisee Within Us

If we’re honest, we all have Pharisaical tendencies. Whether in church culture or personal lives, it’s easy to elevate tradition over truth, criticize others for doing things differently, or cling to comfort at the expense of obedience.

Mark 7 challenges us to examine our hearts. Jesus' words offer a spiritual checklist, revealing whether we’ve let a Pharisaical spirit take root. Here are three key signs:

Blurring Tradition and Scripture

Mark 7:3 describes how the Pharisees held to the “tradition of the elders,” elevating man-made customs to the level of Scripture. In doing so, they lost sight of God’s commands.
This can happen to us, too. Traditions can be good—they give structure and meaning—but when they replace Scripture, they become a problem.

We must hold firmly to Scripture but remain flexible where the Bible is silent. Jesus isn’t a set of rituals—He’s a living Savior who desires a relationship with us. When tradition overshadows truth, we risk losing sight of Him.

A Critical Spirit Toward Others

The Pharisees weren’t just keepers of tradition; they were critics of those who didn’t follow it. In Mark 7:5, they questioned why Jesus’ disciples didn’t follow ceremonial washing customs. Their criticism wasn’t about Scripture but about their own man-made rules.
This attitude can creep into our hearts as well. We might judge others for worship styles, ministry methods, or personal convictions that differ from our own. It’s one thing to have preferences; it’s another to let those preferences lead to judgment.

When was the last time you criticized someone for doing things differently? More importantly, what does that say about your heart? If we focus more on finding faults than showing love, we reflect the Pharisees more than Christ.

Prioritizing Outward Appearance Over the Heart

In Mark 7:6, Jesus quotes Isaiah, calling the Pharisees “hypocrites”—actors playing a part. They looked righteous outwardly, but their hearts were distant from God.

The same can happen to us. We might follow rules, attend church, and say the right things, but it's all for show if our hearts aren’t genuinely engaged with God. God sees beyond appearances. He desires a heart fully devoted to Him.
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The saddest part of this passage is in Mark 7:13, where Jesus says the Pharisees’ traditions nullified the power of God’s Word.

Mark 7:13 - "Making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition..." Their reliance on rules robbed them of a life-changing relationship with Him.

This is a warning for us.

Traditions and customs can be helpful, but they’re no substitute for a vibrant relationship with God. If we’re not careful, we might cling to empty practices and miss the transformative power of His Word.

Where is your heart today? Are you clinging to traditions that have lost their purpose? Are you more concerned with outward appearances than inner devotion?

Let’s ask God to reveal the Pharisee within us, to soften our hearts, and to restore our focus on Him. It’s time to move past traditionalism and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.