Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Matt. 15:1-9

We can learn a lot from Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees. He often called them hypocrites. Actually, Jesus gave us our modern use of the word hypocrite. He did not create the word, but he gave it the meaning we know today. Before Jesus came, the word hypocrite was a Greek word that meant an actor in a play. It was never used as Jesus used it. Jesus called hypocrites those who were putting on an act in real life. They said one thing and did another, or they pretended to be something they were not. Jesus said the Pharisees were doing exactly that.

The Pharisees were notorious for laying burdens on people that they themselves did not carry. In Matthew 15 the Pharisees were chiding Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands properly. The Law of Moses does contain commandments concerning purity. In an effort to interpret the Law, the Pharisees and others added great detail to the commandments. They defined how you were to wash your hands, how long, and how much water you were to use.

Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy. They were so adamant about everyone keeping the law, but they themselves did not keep it. For example, the Law said that they were to take care of their aging parents. Yet, they devised what was called a vow of Corban. They would say that their money belonged to God or it was dedicated for the temple. It sounded pious, but it was really a loophole. It meant that this money could still be used by them, but since it was dedicated to God, no one else could use it not even their needy parents. Thus, they would use this vow to get out of giving money to take care of their parents and still look pious. It does not take a Bible scholar to see the hypocrisy in the Pharisees hearts.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matt 11:28-30

In Matthew 11 we see the contrast between the Pharisees and Jesus. He did not come to give us a burden we could not carry. What He really came to give us is Himself. What He desires is that we receive the gift of His life afresh and anew everyday. For the Christian life is not a commandment but a Person, the Person of Jesus Christ.