Jesus’ ministry lasted just three short years before he was hung on a cross. But in that teaching-time he was able to tell/show us who God really was and how we needed to become like him. God’s truth is an eternal, uncompromising message for all of us. Jesus had many confrontations with God-hating people on earth — most of them were his own people, the Jews.

In Mark 7:5-23 a false-taught group of Pharisees complained that Jesus did not teach his disciples the priestly way in which hands should be washed ceremoniously, before food was consumed. The Jews believed that hand-washing must reveal the heavenly way, Jesus’ response was: they were hypocrites, or people who were just acting out. He took them back to the Ten Commandments where God says they should honor their father and mother, in all things and at all times. But the Pharisees taught the people false ways about being irresponsible care givers. They changed God’s commandments: if they would call out “Corban” to the priests they could funnel their money into the Temple and be free of any future parental responsibility. (Mark 7:6-13.) Jesus ends this conversation with these words. If we are going to worship God, we had better know how to do it.

Scripture is full of his truth. These folks had developed their own set of false values and ideas believing God should be pleased. Jesus simply replied as he did on many occasions, “if you have ears that work, let them hear — real spiritual wisdom.” God’s spiritual laws are set in concrete and will only change if he does it. Jesus finishes his discourse with this summation. (Mark 7:18-23) All wrong ideas come from the heart, put their by our own misunderstanding, or the corruption of others.

About 950 B.C. Solomon penned these words to all who would listen. (Proverbs 1:2-5) 1. “To know wisdom and instruction while understanding them.” 2. “To accept the virtues of justice, judgment and equity.” 3. “Help the young folks to understand while teaching them truth.” 4. “Have an open mind, a willing heart, hearing ears and a discerning spirit to teach others the truth. In his early life, Solomon had compassion for his people and asked God for wisdom to lead and be their king. We should settle for nothing else than to be a person of compassion. This is a lesson for all of us.