Worship Revisited - Lesson 4
Worship & The Importance of Teaching God’s Truth
-Introduction
-Matthew 15:1-9
-Context: Ministry of Withdrawals, approx. 1 year prior to the crucifixion, just prior
to the second of four withdrawals from the territory of Herod Anitpas, had
fed the 5,000, walked on the water (Peter did as well), many of the Galileans
had just turned away (John 6)
-It was at this point that Jesus was once again challenged by the Jewish leadership.
-By considering this challenge and Jesus’ response to it, we can learn a very, very
importance concept regarding worship.
The Challenge
-Matthew 15:1 - Notice, we’re told that the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem came
to Jesus.
-“These Pharisees and scribes were sent, doubtless by the authorities in Jerusalem,
to counteract the widespread influence of Jesus in Galilee. No doubt the shrewdest
and most able were sent. Sent from the seat of learning and authority, able and
shrewd, and they were considered better prepared to meet Jesus than the ones in
Galilee” (Dorris, C.E.W., A Commentary on the Gospel by Mark, Nashville, TN,
Gospel Advocate Company, 1950, pg 167).
-Their challenge: Matthew 15:2.
-The washing spoken of here is not in terms of good hygiene. Rather, it is a reference
to the ceremonial washing of the Jews done by tradition. It was an outward showing
of supposed cleanliness (i.e. “Look how clean, righteous and holy I am.”)
-Simply put, the Jewish leaders did not like the fact that Jesus and His apostles did not
adhere to the Jewish traditions which these leaders and others held in very high regard.
-Jesus’ Response
-Jesus makes it very clear that these Jewish leaders were putting their traditions before (or
in the place of) God’s commandments. As a result, they were guilty of transgression.
As leaders, they were therefore teaching and influencing others to do the same.
-Jesus then gives an additional example of an area/topic in which the Jews had dismissed
God’s specific teachings and taught and followed their traditions instead (Matt. 15:4-6).
-We, too, must exercise great caution in this area. We simply cannot dismiss God’s
word and replace its truthful teachings with contradictory teachings (traditions) of men.
-Col 2:8, 20-23; Titus 1:10-11, 14
-Matthew 15:7-9
-Utilizing an Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah (29:13), Jesus referred to these
Jewish leaders as hypocrites.
-Outwardly, they were attempting to give an appearance of dedication and faithfulness.
Sadly though, their hearts were not in it. They lacked the sincerity and dedication
to the truth of God’s word.
-As a consequence, Jesus stated, “In vain they do worship me...” (Matt. 15:9)
-Worship?
-Consider the topic utilized by the Jews in their challenge - ceremonial washing. And,
consider the additional example supplied by Jesus - honoring father and mother. What
do these have to do with worship?
-Somewhat as a side note, I would like to observe that Jesus is not advocating that
everything is a matter of worship. In recent years, some have tried to advocate this
concept in an attempt to minimize the importance, necessity and requirement of
gathering together collectively as a congregation as set times for the specific purpose
of worship (corporate worship). Such does not hold up to an honest examination of
scriptural truth. Rather than everything falling under the topic of worship, many
items fall under “service.” See Matt. 4:10 where Jesus itemized worship and service.
-With the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:9 concerning worship, we find a very important
concept that we need to contemplate and heed.
-We cannot teach wrong and worship right.
-We cannot push aside God’s truth with the commandments/traditions of men and
then expect our worship to be acceptable and pleasing in His sight.
-Therefore, when it comes to developing our understanding and formulating our views
on various topics, we must be very diligent and serious in our efforts.
-We must teach the truth - Col. 3:17, 2 Tim. 1:13, 4:2, Titus 2:1.
-Summary and Invitation
-Today’s religious world continues to tell us that the specifics of what you teach don’t
really matter. They also say that specifics regarding the manner of one’s worship aren’t
important. Jesus and the inspired writers of scripture taught otherwise as should we.
-We’re not trying to be arrogant and prideful. There’s simply no place for such.
Yet, we are trying to properly exalt the church and defend its unique nature.
-I’m afraid the world has simply missed (or ignored) the important concept brought out
by Jesus in Matthew 15 - You cannot teach wrong and worship right.
-Brief review:
-In these lessons on worship we have noted the following:
-Lesson 1: We should contemplate the attributes of God in order to better humble
ourselves and understand our proper role of submission to His will. When we
offer our worship to Him, it must be heartfelt - as the word translated “worship”
relates - Our worship should be us (as God’s children) blowing Him a kiss.
-Lesson 2: Psalm 84 - We should delight in worshipping the God of heaven.
-Lesson 3: We cannot live wrong and worship right.
-Today’s lesson: We cannot teach wrong and worship right.
-What about you this morning? Is your heart right with God? Are you here truly because
you want to be? Are you living in accordance with God’s word? Are you teaching/
abiding by His truth? If not, won’t you begin that process today? If you’ve never obeyed
the Gospel, do so by believe in Jesus (John 3:16, 8:24), confessing that faith (Matt 10:32,
Rom 10:9-10), repenting of sin (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), being baptized for forgiveness
(Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38). If you have obeyed the Gospel but haven’t been walking in
newness of life (Rom 6:4, Eph 4:22-24), then confess your shortcomings, repent and
seek God’s forgiveness through prayer (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).