Pharisees and Tradition

Jesus on tradition and defilement

Jesus Confronts Empty Tradition: What Really Defiles (Mark 7:1–23)

In Mark 7:1–23, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ obsession with outward rituals. He redirects the focus to the heart, teaching that defilement comes from within—not from unwashed hands. This powerful moment urges us in 2026 to prioritize inner transformation over religious performance.