Ten Commandments (1972)_b.pdf - Herbert W. Armstrong

The Fifth Commandment 79
Jesus Christ gave one of the most forceful interpretations
of the fifth commandment in its application to
this very problem. In His day, men 'were excusing themselves
from providing for the necessity of their parents.
They were saying that funds which might have been used
in this way were "Corban," that is, dedicated to the service
of the altar. These funds were not part of God's tithe, but
rather an additional offering which was used to gain favor
in approaching God.
Reproaching these hypocritical religionists, Jesus
said: "Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that
ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honor
thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or
mother, let him die the death" (Mark 7:9-10).
Now notice how these hypocrites "reasoned" their
way around this commandment!
Jesus continued: "But ye say, If a man shall say to his
father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by
whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be
free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father
or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect
through your tradition ..." (verses 11-13).
Jesus CONDEMNED these hypocrites. His words plainly
teach that a Christian person MUST give material and
financial assistance to his aged parents ifit is possible and
their needs so require. He must NOT excuse himself by
saying that all his extra funds are "dedicated to God"!
This is a part of our obedience to the fifth commandment.
Jesus' Own Personal Example
Jesus Christ LIVED the message He taught. His own
personal life is a dramatic illustration of obedience to the
fifth commandment.
Just before His death, Jesus said: "I have kept my
Father's commandments" (John \ 15:10). Through obedience
to His heavenly Father, and to his human parents
as well, Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity even as a
youth.
Speaking of His childhood, Luke records: "And the