Jesus v. Pharisees! - 10 July 2006
You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Matthew 23:33 NIV
Jesus’ relationship with the Pharisees has always fascinated me. His particularly vitriolic words of truth to them seem almost out of character in Jesus who, it has to be said, was noted for his grace and forgiveness. Neither can Jesus motives be just spiteful. Even though these important spiritual leaders played a part in bringing Jesus to crucifixion He forgave those who played a part in His death. So why the venom?
The Pharisee party was composed of intelligent, learned men. Formed after the Exile they set themselves apart (Pharisee means ‘apart’) to preserve and teach the ancient written and oral traditions. They were the learned Bible scholars of their day and lived very upright and respectable lives, abiding by all the rules and regulations of the books of the law and with a belief system that was very similar to our own.
In Matthew 16:6 Jesus warns His disciples not to follow the teachings of the Pharisees. Then in Matthew 23 we read just what Jesus thought of them and why.
In many ways as Western Christians our lives mirror those of the Pharisees. The Christian church has become as rich, powerful, intellectual and influential in the world as the Pharisees were in their day. This must mean that at this time it is more important than ever that we as modern disciples of Jesus should heed His warning to be on our guard against the traits Jesus hated in them.
In Matthew 23:30 Jesus says to the Pharisees.
‘And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'
It’s easy to be wise in hindsight.
As we read more about Jesus warning try asking yourself the question I did. If I had lived in that time when Jesus was alive on earth what would I have been, one of Jesus’ disciples or a Pharisee? | 