v.3 …When we compare the “tradition of the elders “ with the original laws prescribed , are these traditions extensions of the laws or simply customs adopted to make them understandable ?- Lev.ch.11..dealing with foods; ch.12…relating to childbirth; ch.13 dealing with skin diseases; ch14…dealing with cleansing from skin diseases; ch.15…relating to discharges from the body. Numbers, ch.19…water for cleansing.
Was the uncleanness about which the Pharisees complained to do with health precautions ,or for ceremonial and ritual customs ?
Were the laws in the O.T. designed to guard against ill health in the wilderness >
v.6… Is true faith in God an attitude of heart and mind , or a careful observance of correct behaviour and thought ?
v.11…Anything declared “Corban” is something set apart for God and therefore made untouchable. Could this vow or intention of separating a valuable thing for God alone become an excuse for ignoring a human need which is immediate ?
v.14- 23.. Does real uncleanness consist in the thoughts and inner attitudes, or in a person’s actions ?
Does this list of the sources of uncleanness course us to examine our own hearts daily – Isaiah ,ch.29,v.13-14.
Is a mere obedience to civil laws and customs and moral standards sufficient in God’s sight for living a godly life , or is a change of heart needed first..a change from self and sin to a heart given over to God alone ?
Is it possible to avoid all these immoral and evil actions and yet give time to entertain and fantasise the thoughts which sponsor them-Matt.ch.5,v.21-22; 27-28.
Is the human heart naturally good through and through, or is it in need of a deep change to incline towards God and goodness ?- Eccles, ch.7-20; Romans ch.3,v.10-18; 1 John ch.1,v.8-10.