commands or traditions

n some ways, Jesus seemed to be a traditionalist, holding to teachings and practices handed down from the Jewish elders.  It was His custom to worship in a synagogue every Sabbath. He kept the festivals and fasts outlined in the Scriptures. He obeyed the Ten Commandments. He was clearly a faithful Jew, holding to the traditions of His elders.  

In other ways, He looked like an iconoclast, breaking those traditions. He and His disciples were frequently seen violating the "no work" traditions of the Sabbath when plucking some grain for a snack, healing the sick, or delivering the oppressed.  He very dramatically defied Temple tradition when He overturned the tables of those selling religious items and exchanging money.  Others accused him of being unfaithful in his not holding to tradition.

Why the difference?

When religious leaders asked why His disciples didn't observe the tradition of ceremonially washing hands before eating, Jesus responded, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions" (Mark 7:8).  The key difference is in "the commands of God".  

For example, we are commanded to worship God by offering ourselves to Him, and particularly so on The Sabbath.  And we are given some direction through the Apostle Paul on some elements of that worship.  But the specifics of how we're to do it aren't spelled out, except in whatever Christian tradition we come from.  The key is not to let the latter dictate to the former.  We keep the commandments of God central and the traditions of our elders peripheral.  We are neither to become traditionalists nor iconoclasts, but rather obedient servants of God, open to keeping, and loosing, for His Sake, for the sake of His Kingdom, and for the sake of others whom He will draw into it.