Mark 7:12: “Then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Jesus continues His rebuke of the Pharisees and religious leaders, pointing out how their man-made traditions had overridden God’s commands. He has just mentioned the Corban rule (Mark 7:11), where a person could declare their resources as “devoted to God,” effectively preventing them from being used for any other purpose—including helping their parents.

Jesus condemns this practice because it allowed people to avoid their responsibility to honor and care for their parents. Instead of encouraging obedience to God’s command to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12), the religious leaders created a system that excused disobedience under the appearance of devotion to God.

By saying, “Then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother,” Jesus exposes how this tradition was actually harming families. The Pharisees had created a rule that gave people permission to ignore the needs of their aging parents, directly contradicting God’s will.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture, honoring one’s parents was a foundational command. It wasn’t just about showing respect—it included providing for them, especially in their old age. In biblical times, there were no government welfare programs, so children were responsible for caring for their elderly parents.

The Pharisees, however, allowed people to declare their money or property as Corban, meaning it was “dedicated to God.” Once something was labeled Corban, it was supposed to be used for religious purposes. However, the Pharisees permitted people to still use these resources for themselves while denying help to their parents.

This practice turned what was meant to be a sincere act of devotion into a selfish loophole. It allowed people to keep their wealth while avoiding their obligations. Jesus is exposing the corrupt nature of this tradition, showing that it was used to disguise greed and neglect under the name of religion.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about God’s priorities:

1. God’s commands take priority over human traditions. The Pharisees had made up a rule that went against God’s law, proving that human traditions should never override what God has clearly commanded.
2. Obedience to God involves real love and responsibility. Honoring parents is not just about words—it’s about action. If a tradition excuses disobedience to God’s law, it is not from God.
3. True worship is not about loopholes. The Pharisees found ways to appear righteous while excusing sin. Jesus condemns this kind of religious hypocrisy, teaching that true faith is about doing what God has commanded, not finding ways to avoid it.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a direct and pointed rebuke. Jesus is speaking to the leaders who enforced these traditions, showing how they had robbed people of their duty to their parents.

• “Then you no longer let them” – This phrase emphasizes the authority of the Pharisees over people’s decisions. Instead of leading people to follow God’s law, they actively prevented them from obeying it.
• “Do anything for their father or mother” – This shows how completely this tradition shut down the responsibility of honoring parents. It wasn’t just limiting support—it was forbidding it.

By stating this so clearly, Jesus makes it obvious how corrupt and misguided these religious leaders were. Instead of helping people obey God, they led them away from real obedience under the disguise of piety.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
• Deuteronomy 5:16 – Restating the command to honor parents, with a promise of blessing.
• Matthew 15:3-6 – A parallel passage where Jesus condemns the Pharisees for allowing people to break God’s command through Corban.
• 1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
• James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” True faith is about caring for others, not just following rituals.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges modern believers to examine their priorities. Are we truly obeying God’s word, or are we following traditions, personal preferences, or cultural expectations that go against His commands?

It also reminds us of the importance of caring for family. Many today neglect their parents or see them as burdens. Jesus’ words remind us that honoring parents is not optional—it is a command from God. This applies not only to financial support but also to showing love, respect, and care.

Additionally, this verse warns against misusing religion for selfish purposes. Some people today use religious language to justify disobedience—whether it’s avoiding generosity, refusing to forgive, or neglecting responsibilities. Jesus makes it clear that true worship is about living out God’s commands, not just looking religious.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His desire for justice and righteousness. He does not allow people to use religion as an excuse for selfishness. His command to honor parents is a reflection of His concern for families and relationships.

God’s love is also seen in Jesus’ willingness to correct false teachings. He does not leave people in ignorance—He calls them to truth, showing them the right way to honor God. This is an expression of His deep love for His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of honoring God’s commands. Unlike the Pharisees, who created loopholes, Jesus lived in perfect obedience to God’s law.

Jesus also honored His own earthly parents. Even in His final moments on the cross, He made sure His mother Mary was taken care of by entrusting her to John (John 19:26-27). This shows that honoring parents is not just an Old Testament rule—it is a principle that Jesus Himself followed.

Finally, Jesus came to restore true worship and obedience. The Pharisees had corrupted God’s law, but Jesus came to fulfill it perfectly and teach people the true way to follow God (Matthew 5:17). Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for people to live in true righteousness—not by religious loopholes, but by faith in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any traditions or personal habits in your life that excuse disobedience to God’s word?
2. How can you actively honor and care for your parents, not just in words but in actions?
3. What are some ways people today use religion as an excuse for neglecting their responsibilities?
4. How does this passage challenge you to think about true obedience versus outward religion?
5. In what ways can you ensure that your faith is based on God’s word rather than cultural or personal traditions?

This passage is a powerful reminder that true faith is not about following man-made rules—it is about obeying God’s commands and living out His love in real ways. Jesus calls us to honor God, love others, and reject anything that leads us away from true obedience.