Go Beyond

   • This is the second of three posts on the topic of honoring parents.

   Jesus gives us additional insight into what it means to honor our parents through an encounter He had with the religious leaders of His day (read Mark 7:9-13). Some Pharisees and teachers of the law (scribes) confronted Jesus and accused the disciples of eating food with unwashed hands (Mark 7:5). The issue was not one of personal hygiene. The religious leaders, who were always looking for an opportunity to discredit Jesus, were upset because the disciples had not observed the “tradition of the elders” concerning “ceremonial washing” (Mark 7:3). The tradition of the elders consisted of hundreds of detailed rules and regulations concerning how to obey the law (see Mark 7:4). These meticulous rules, passed on from generation to generation, were burdensome to the people (see Matt. 23:4).

   The encounter of the religious leaders with Jesus turned out to be more than they bargained for. Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes (Mark 7:6-7) by pointing out that they had violated something much more important than tradition (Mark 7:8). Jesus accused the religious leaders of considering the traditions of the elders as more important than God’s Word itself (Mark 7:9). Jesus used the fifth commandment — “Honor your father and your mother.” — as a case in point (Mark 7:10).

   Instead of honoring their parents as commanded by God, the religious leaders used tradition to violate the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and not feel guilty. They avoided using any personal wealth to assist their parents by declaring it “Corban” or dedicated to God (Mark 7:11). Once dedicated to God, these resources could no longer be used to help their parents (Mark 7:12). The religious leaders thus justified their neglect of needy parents by invoking tradition to shelter their money. Moreover, those who shouted “Corban” continued to personally benefit from their wealth until death. Upon death the temple would then receive the remainder of their wealth. Through reprehensible actions such as these, the hypocritical religious leaders had invalidated the word of God (Mark 7:13).

   The encounter recorded by Mark teaches us that the honor of parents encompasses giving weight or consideration to their welfare. As our parents grow older we must not take lightly their interests and special needs. Instead, we should look for opportunities to make their advancing years meaningful and happy (Phil. 2:3-4). I appreciate the example set by my parents in caring for their parents. Through the years I watched my Mom and Dad lovingly and cheerfully give of their time and resources to care for my grandparents. On many occasions my parents had to rearrange their priorities in order to meet the needs of my grandparents, but they did so with much joy.

   What are some practical ways in which we can lovingly honor aging parents? We can honor aging parents by helping to meet their basic necessities (read 1 Timothy 5:4, 8). Do they have adequate housing, clothing, and medical care? Do they need assistance with transportation or with routine household responsibilities? Providing financial assistance however, is not enough. Our parents need our emotional support as well. We can honor aging parents and provide emotional support by affirming their worth. We can let our parents know that we value them by including them in family activities during holidays, birthdays, and the ordinary everydays. Sometimes a simple act of kindness, a warm embrace, or a note of appreciation can do so much to enrich the lives of our aging parents.

   We must take advantage of every opportunity to love and honor our parents because one day we will no longer have opportunities to do so. So, seize the day and don’t neglect to honor your father and mother.

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Please take a moment to read Honoring Parents |1 and Honoring Parents | 3.