The way the Jewish teachers explained the Scriptures, their endless repetitions of maxims and fiction, called forth from Christ the words: “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” They performed in the temple courts their round of service. They offered sacrifices typifying the great Sacrifice, saying by their ceremonies, “Come, my Saviour;” yet Christ, the One whom all these ceremonies represented, was among them, and they would not recognize nor receive Him. The Saviour declared: “In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8, 9. {6T 249.1}

Den måde de jødiske lærere forklarede skrifterne på - deres endeløse gentagelser af leveregler og opdigtelse, fremkaldte disse ord fra Kristus: »Dette folk ærer mig med læberne; men deres hjerte er fjernt fra mig.« De gik deres rundgang i tempelsalene. De ofrede ofre der afbillede det store offer og sagde ved deres ceremonier, "Kom, min Frelser," alligevel var Kristus, ham alle disse ceremonier repræsenterede, iblandt dem og de ville ikke genkende ham. Frelseren erklærede: »Det er forgæves, de dyrker mig, når de fører lærdomme, som kun er menneskebud.« Matt.15,8.9.