The Pharisees and Jesus Butt Heads over Purity Laws

There has not been, in recent history, an easier time for us modern people to understand the Jewish purity laws of the 1st century. Hand-washing to remove impurity? Yes, we get that. The possibility of catching a contagion that we cannot see? Yes, we get that, too. And heated debates over who is doing enough to combat passing on this “thing” that can be caught? Oh, yes, we certainly know all about that. Welcome to the Jewish world of the 1st century. Today, the “thing” we are worried about is COVID, but the Jews of Jesus’ day were concerned about “catching” ritual impurity. This is the background of Mark 7, when Jesus and the Pharisees go head-to-head over hand-washing, tradition, and this odd practice called “Corban.” In this video, ‪@chadbird1517‬ explains the Jewish purity laws, why hand-washing was so important to the Pharisees, and the meaning of the Hebrew word “Corban.”

[@cindygettelfinger9415]

Really enjoyed this lesson. You answered questions I had thought about for a long time about the purity laws, etc. Thanks for sharing. I’m relatively new to your channel; glad God directed me to your teachings.

[@roddychestnut3899]

Thank you for making this topic comprehensible to those who love and follow Jesus!

[@terrytaerum7087]

The baptism by John would have had a different meaning if he had required a bar of soap when baptizing in the Jordan river.
As you indicate, "getting a good scrub" is clearly not the intent of ritual cleaning.