Jesus Christ did not condemn all customary practices. In fact, on one occasion he chided a Pharisee named Simon for failing to follow a certain practice associated with hospitality. (Luke 7:44-46) On another occasion, Jesus took advantage of the custom of Scripture reading in a synagogue in order to give a fine witness concerning his Messiahship. (Luke 4:16-21; compare Acts 15:21.)

So, in order to give a witness, both Jesus and Paul took advantage of a fine custom.

CUSTOMS TO BE AVOIDED

There are customs, however, that are harmful. By the time that Jesus was on earth the Jews had built up a system of traditions that placed heavy burdens on the people. In fact, many viewed these traditions as having greater value than the written word of God. Jesus himself scathingly denounced as hypocrites those who imposed such traditions and thus made void God’s word.