Matthew 15:5
Amharic 2000 (የአማርኛ መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ (ሰማንያ አሃዱ))
እናንተ ግን ‘አባቱን ወይም እናቱን “ከእኔ የምትጠቀምበት መባ ነው የሚል ሁሉ፥
What Does This Mean?
This verse talks about people saying that what should have been given to parents as support is instead called a gift, so they don't need to use it for their parents' benefit. Jesus is pointing out how this practice goes against the commandment to honor one's parents.
Explained for Children
Imagine you tell your mom or dad that the money meant to help them should be kept because you're calling it a special gift. But really, it means they won't get any help from you when they need it. Jesus is saying this isn’t right and we should always care for our parents.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this account of Jesus' teachings around 80-90 AD to primarily Jewish-Christian audiences. The cultural setting was one where honoring parents was a significant part of their religious practices, but some were finding loopholes through legalistic interpretations.
Living It Out Today
Today, think about how we might be neglecting our responsibilities towards family or others by making excuses that sound reasonable but are just ways to avoid doing the right thing. This applies in work environments too, where avoiding accountability for team support can harm relationships and productivity.
Topics
obediencefamily valuesrespectresponsibilityhonoraccountability
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jesus criticizing in this passage?
Jesus criticizes the practice of claiming gifts or resources are dedicated to God so they can't be used to support parents. This allows people to avoid fulfilling their duty to honor and care for their parents.
How does this relate to modern family dynamics?
It reminds us that using loopholes or justifications to avoid caring for our family members is wrong. Modern families should prioritize supporting each other, especially elders who might need more assistance.
Can you give an example of when someone might use this verse in a Bible study?
Someone might use this verse during a discussion on the importance of family duties and responsibilities, emphasizing that true honor involves practical support and care for one's parents.
What does it mean to say something is 'dedicated' or a 'gift', in this context?
In this context, saying something is dedicated means declaring it as belonging to God, thus exempting oneself from using it to help others like one’s parents. Jesus criticizes this practice for evading responsibility.