Definition: And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Matthew 15:6. It's a really powerful statement about respect and obedience. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “Don’t treat your parents and family like they don’t matter – they’re precious and should be respected.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And honour not his father or his mother…” This is the core of the message. It’s saying don't show disrespect, love, or gratitude to your parents and family members. Think of it as valuing them as people – they’ve invested their time and effort in you. “[He shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect…” This is where it gets a bit more profound. Jesus is saying that God's law (which includes things like respecting parents and family) has become something we’ve made our own, instead of being guided by God himself. He’s suggesting that we should rely on God’s teachings and principles rather than creating our own rules. What does this mean for us today? This verse is a reminder to: Be grateful: Appreciate the people who care about you, especially your parents and family. Respect authority: Recognize that leaders (like parents or religious figures) have a responsibility to guide us. Don’t disregard God's guidance: Trust in God’s plan and wisdom, rather than making our own rules based on our own ideas. In short, it encourages us to treat those we love with respect and to follow the principles that God gives us. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give an example of how this verse applies to a specific situation (like dealing with a difficult parent)? Explain the historical context of this passage?