A new believer of faith was confronted by his relatives: “Would you abandon our ancestors and their faith?” He calmly said, “The Lord Jesus Christ is greater than all human ancestors, and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Some people have a high regard for their ancestors and their religious traditions. The Samaritan woman had a great regard for her ancestor Jacob, who had dug the well, drank from it, and so had his descendants. (John 4:12) But, soon she realised the Messiah was greater than all her ancestors. (John 4:29)
Ancestral faith: In most cultures, the dead are considered as gods and goddesses. If not worshipped, they fear that they have the power to harm. Hence, the ancestors’ spirits should be appeased by giving them what they used to desire while living or by making some sacrifices. Those who die and descend to the pit (buried) are physically or spiritually powerless, and so are those cremated. (Psalms 28:1; 88:4) The dead do not have any influence on human affairs. Such superstitious faith has affected many people, and they are unable to understand the truth.
Tradition: Most people living in the city of Ephesus believed that they were the custodians of the temple, its deity Artemis or Diana. (Acts 19:35) In response to the tireless teaching of Paul, the Hall of Tyrannus made an impact in that city, whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The elite incited the mob to protect their tradition and legacy. No tradition or religion is comparable to the Light of the World.
Greater: Not only the ancestors, but the Lord Jesus Christ is also greater than Jonah and all the prophets. He is greater than the Temple built by Solomon, for He Himself is the Temple. Even greater than Solomon, who could only build an earthly temple. (Matthew 12:6; 38-42) All ancestors, even with their accomplishments, are fragile humans. Hence, none of them is greater than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do I understand God as the creator, saviour, and Lord greater than all ancestors or any other beings or things?