In Jesus' day, the Pharisees and scribes held the traditions of men, also known as the interpretation of the law, in very high esteem. Some of these many traditions included washing hands, pots and cups. These interpretations of the law were probably intended for good. This can be seen in this aspect of washing. Moses actually advocated it. However, when it was done in his time, there was a specific reason why they did it. One of these reasons was that someone had soiled themselves physically and another was "in connection with the intended moral consecration."1 For example, they washed a leper when he was healed and they washed a priest when he dedicated himself. The problem is that over the years people have interpreted these interpretations and so on. She went so far as to become the main force. In fact, they often held them above what the Scriptures had to say. Someone once said that “the words of the scribes are more beautiful than the words of the law: for the words of the law are heavy and light, but the words of the scribes are all heavy.” »2 Also, “Rabba said: What folly are most men! They observe the precepts of divine law and neglect the statues of rabbits! »3 Wow, how they really held the traditions on a pedestal! In Mark chapter 74, we see Jesus confronting these men about their traditions. We first see that this topic came up because the Pharisees and scribes had problems with the disciples not washing their hands before eating. According to tradition, you must wash your hands before consuming. They believed that those who did not wash their hands were equal to pagans. Jesus was trying to show these men that God cares about our hearts. He wanted them to be in the middle of a sheet of paper...to teach each of us through His Word. Bibliography Alexander, David and Patricia Alexander, ed. Eerdman's Handbook of the Bible. Carmel: Guideposts, 1973. Clarke, LL.D., FSA, etc., Adam. “The Gospel according to Saint Matthew”. Clarke Commentary: Matthew – Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1832. Exell, Rev. Joseph S. "St. Mark." The Bible Illustrator. Michigan: Baker Book House. Gill, Dr. John. John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible. E-Sword. Hackett , HB, ed. Smith Dictionary of the Bible: Complete Edition in Four Volumes, Volume I Aalar in Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1971. Morgan, DD, G. Campbell. 'Gospel according to Mark Old Tappan: Fleming H. Revell Company, DD, FN, ed. Peloubet's Bible Dictionary: Universal House of the Book and the Bible., 1947.