1. Arguments at Dinner
Mark 7:1-19

2. Some Bread is Eaten Context: The 12 went out and returned
Jesus took them across the lake for some quiet
5000 got there first and Jesus fed them
The 12 were blown off-course to Gennesaret and Jesus walked on water
People came from everywhere to be healed
Seagulls attack a man wearing a suit made from bread

3. An Argument Escalates Holding to the tradition of the elders (v.3)
Holding on to human traditions Letting go the commands of God (v.8)
Observing your own tradition Setting aside the commandment of God (v.9)
Handing on your tradition Nullifying the word of God (v.13)
nb tradition vs. command humans vs. God
holding on vs. nullifying

4. A Point is Made
What we do, or fail to do, is not what makes us good or bad The good and bad come from who we are
God is not fooled by play-acting that has the appearance of holiness

5. The Story Leads Us Deeper
The purpose of the Law was to lead people to faith in Christ
It showed the overflow of the heart in how we respond to those around us
Jesus simply exposes the human condition

6. What, Then, Shall We Do? Ask for help Read the Word
Grapple with the question “what does God want of me?”
Be prepared to nullify human traditions and hold fast to God’s commands