Verse 2
The critics again raised a question about the behavior of Jesus’ disciples, not His own behavior (cf. Matthew 9:14). They did not do so because Jesus’ behaved differently than His disciples. They followed His example and teaching. They did so because they could attack Him less directly than if they had questioned His personal conduct. In view of Jesus’ popularity they may have chosen this approach because it was safer, not because it was more respectful.
The critics objected to the disciples’ disregard for the traditions of the elders. These were the rabbinic interpretations of Old Testament law that had accumulated over the centuries, the Halakah. In Jesus’ day most of these traditions were not yet in written form, but later the rabbis compiled them into the Mishnah (A.D. 135-200). For the Pharisees they carried almost as much authority, if not more authority, than the law itself. [Note: Moore, 1:251-62.]
The disciples’ hand-washing was only a specific example of the larger charge. One entire tractate in the Mishnah dealt with proper hand-washing procedures for ceremonial purposes. [Note: Mishnah, Yadaim.] There were even requirements for proper hand-washing before meals since the ritual cleanliness of food was such an important matter to the Jews.
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