1
After that, Pharisees and religion scholars came to Jesus all the way from Jerusalem, criticizing,
2
"Why do your disciples play fast and loose with the rules?"
3
But Jesus put it right back on them. "Why do you use your rules to play fast and loose with God's commands?
4
God clearly says, 'Respect your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.'
5
But you weasel around that by saying, 'Whoever wants to, can say to father and mother, What I owed to you I've given to God.'
6
That can hardly be called respecting a parent. You cancel God's command by your rules.
7
Frauds! Isaiah's prophecy of you hit the bull's-eye:
8
These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it.
9
They act like they're worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy."
10
He then called the crowd together and said, "Listen, and take this to heart.