The Heart of the Matter

"Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders?" Jesus was asked this question by his critics. It's not an easy question. What would you have said then and what would you say now if asked such a question? Jesus' response is harsh yet sophisticated and he strongly rebukes his interrogators. Was Jesus being cavalier and dismissive of tradition? Not exactly--but his answer to the question isn't what anyone expected. In fact, it would take his followers decades to grapple with his answer and work through its implications. The heart of the matter is the heart.

Steve Engstrom+