Jesus had a running battle with the scribes and Pharisees on several issues, one of which was the observance of their man-made tradition. By engaging this people, Jesus was not posing as a rabble-rouser. His approach was not a declaration of war on tradition generally; it was a selective engagement. By the way, tradition is defined as ‘’inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior’’. Seen in this light, it will not be difficult to say that Jesus Himself lived by some tradition. For example, he had the tradition of going to the synagogue. He also had the tradition of rising up early to pray. Another observable tradition of Jesus was keeping in touch with nature. ‘’When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.” (John 18:1-2 NKJV).
“Our liberty must not be compromised on the altar of human tradition. Finally, any tradition that has become an inhibitor to progress must be challenged.”
So, Jesus did not fight tradition as a whole; what He fought was the aspects of tradition that negated the word of God and robbed people of its inherent power. This should also be the approach of God’s children to the traditions obtainable in their various domains. A tradition is to be questioned when it is contrary to the commandments of God. There are two other things that should make believers treat any set of traditions as suspect. If a tradition borders on bondage, it must be questioned and subjected to review. We know Jesus brought us into liberty, and when He sets free it is freedom indeed. Our liberty must not be compromised on the altar of human tradition. Finally, any tradition that has become an inhibitor to progress must be challenged. It is not only sin we are commanded to lay aside according to Hebrews 12:1; every weight also is to be set aside. Some traditions are indeed weighty!