Mark 7:11-12

New King James Version

But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother.

For Meditation

It is late in the American Football game. They set the ball for the last play, with the game to win or lose. The players take their positions against each other—bent down with helmets gleaming in their faces. Their facial expressions tell the story too well to miss. It is the moment of truth when the entire season has come to a head. The trophy sits on the table in the officials’ box, ready to be lifted to the thunderous applause of their anxious fans.

A common question haunts the loyal players. “Have we been good to our coach?” Coach has been there for them throughout the season and now expects the best from them. He has spent time to ensure their welfare at every level—physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. You name any situation in a player’s life, and the coach has been there for them. Now the season has gone full-cycle, and it is their turn to make him proud. Will they make this last play count?

Coach runs through the play plan several times, looking in each player’s face to ensure proper understanding. No botched play. Run the play as the coach says and finish it in style. But would you believe the quarterback has another formation to run for the MVP? They deflect the ball into the hands of the opponent’s running back and touch down! The game is over, and they lose an excellent season to a selfish quarterback’s aspirations.

Caring for aging parents is like this football match. The old folks have spent the best years caring for their children. Some sold their priceless treasure to pay for their wards’ schools, hospital bills, food, and clothes. When there was nothing to sell, many took monies from loan sharks to make ends meet, with stories abounding of mothers who suffered abuse from such sharks. 

Now is the hour of truth. Is there anything called reciprocal care in parenting? For, the nest is empty, and mom and dad need to be cared for—sometimes, not money or anything. They did well in life, so they have it together. All they need is love and attention. Still, others have exhausted their meager reserves by caring for their loved ones. They are now too old and broken to work and to fend for themselves. Will their children step up to the plate and take responsibility, or will they spend the time recounting the mistakes of their parents in life?

The word of God says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Jesus did not nullify this fifth commandment. He affirmed and honored it with His mother. Even from the cross, He made sure John would take care of His mother (John 19:27). 

In Mark 7:9-13, Jesus deals with the tradition of the people that created a loophole for adult children to avoid caring for parents. Call whatever should be for the care of your parents, “Corban,” and you can use it to finance the unending temple project. Is there anything new under the sun?

That was a clever spiritual interference that made the leaders deflect from parental care, and parents, therefore, lost the game—sadly. Jesus said they nullified the word of God for their traditions. We must be careful not to treat the word of God with disdain concerning the care of our parents. 

So, how well do we do in caring for our parents? Do we give them the love and attention they deserve, just as they gave theirs to us when we were helpless? How many of us will sacrifice high-paying jobs to return home to care for our ailing parents or bring them into our homes to care for them?