“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.’”
Mark 7:10
Death for disrespect? When we read of this punishment for sin in Leviticus 20:9, it seems so extreme. If this were how the world operated today, I’d have to admit that the impertinent teen-aged me would have been put to death long ago!
In Mark 7 Jesus spoke firmly to the Pharisees about the ways that they skirted the intent of the law of God in order to serve their own purposes. He, who honored His Father in everything, taught with authority about honoring fathers and mothers.
We are commanded to honor our parents, too. To curse them instead not only violates one law, but also denies our relationship with them and, by extension, interferes with our relationship with God. The Lord’s creation of earthly families illustrates the way we are in relationship with Him. He is the loving Father; we are His devoted children. Sadly, there are evil parents in this life. There are imperfect ones, as I know well. But our heavenly Father is faultless, and where we fail, Christ, the perfect Son, restores our relationship with Him.
In Mark 7 Jesus spoke firmly to the Pharisees about the ways that they skirted the intent of the law of God in order to serve their own purposes. He, who honored His Father in everything, taught with authority about honoring fathers and mothers.
We are commanded to honor our parents, too. To curse them instead not only violates one law, but also denies our relationship with them and, by extension, interferes with our relationship with God. The Lord’s creation of earthly families illustrates the way we are in relationship with Him. He is the loving Father; we are His devoted children. Sadly, there are evil parents in this life. There are imperfect ones, as I know well. But our heavenly Father is faultless, and where we fail, Christ, the perfect Son, restores our relationship with Him.
Scripture Focus
Leviticus 20:1-9
Insight
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” (Ephesians 3:14-15)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 9-10
- Psalm 108
- Romans 7-8
