Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
All Commentaries on Matthew 15:2 Go To Matthew 15
Theophylact of Ochrid
AD 1107
Although there were scribes and Pharisees in every place, those in Jerusalem were the most honored. Hence they envied Christ all the more as they were the most vainglorious. As a custom from ancient tradition, the Jews did not eat with unwashed hands. Seeing the disciples disdain this tradition, they thought that the disciples held the elders in contempt. What then does the Saviour do? He says nothing in defense of this, but accuses them in return.
