Jesus and the Pharisees I

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

I. Historical background of the Pharisees

A. Briefly mention popular sects

B. During the time of Jesus there were four main sects of Judaism

C. Pharisees

D. Students of the Law and developed a body of traditions that were enforced as law Believed in angels and the resurrection

E. Sadducees

F. More liberal in their theology and rejected Pharisaical traditions Did not believe in angels and the resurrection (Acts 23:8)

G. Zealots

H. Political extremists who wanted to overthrow Roman rule in Judea: “no tribute to Caesar; no king but Jehovah; not tax but the temple tax.”1 The apostle Simon—not Simon Peter—was a zealot (Luke 6:15)

I. Essenes

J. A communal sect that lived apart from the bulk of Jewish society and expected an imminent end to earth’s history culminating in a holy war between good and evil.2 The Qumran community that lived near the Dead Sea and from whom we have the Dead Sea Scrolls were probably Essene.

K. The bulk of the populace probably did not belong to any sect but were likely influenced in thought and action by the Pharisees and Sadducees

L. Josephus said the Sadducees had greater influence on the rich while the Pharisees had greater influence over the common people.3 In the New Testament we encounter the Pharisees and Sadducees

M. Description of the Pharisees

N. As mentioned previously, they developed a body of tradition in addition to God’s law but enforced it as if it were God’s Law.

O. Josephus: “…the Pharisees have delivered to the people a great many observances by succession from their fathers, which are not written in the Law of Moses…”4 The traditions were a hedge around the Law The Pharisees desired justice in criminal cases carefully cross-examining witnesses, throwing out circumstantial evidence in capital cases, but their actions were often too favorable to the accused.5 In Jesus’ trial they violated all of these practices. They were Jewish purists who rejected Greek culture While the Sadducees cooperated with their Roman leaders, the Pharisees were antagonistic though not militant like the Zealots.6

II. Jesus was often in conflict with the Pharisees

A. The Pharisees often condemned Jesus for breaking the traditions of the elders and Jesus challenged their adherence to these traditions as Law.

B. In Matthew 15:1-9 ( do not read) Jesus rebuked their worship as vain because if followed the traditions of the fathers (Mark 7:13 adds to Jesus’ condemnation of their traditions: “and many such things you do”) In Matthew 12:2 they condemn Jesus for breaking their tradition surrounding the observance of the Sabbath though He complied with the Old Law.

C. The great following of Jesus and John the Baptist threatened to pull the allegiance of the common people away from the Pharisees.

D. John 11:47-48 – take away our place and nation John 12:17-19 – the people were following Jesus in great numbers

E. The final week of Jesus’ life on earth

F. Through much of the New Testament, Jesus is in conflict with the Pharisees and it culminates in the last week of His life when they try to trick Jesus so that they can discredit Him. In Matthew 23, Jesus launches an assault on the Pharisees.

III. Read Matthew 23:1-12: Do what they teach but not what they practice

A. Though they acted hypocritically, the Pharisees were serious students of the Law and Jesus urges the multitude to follow their teaching of the Law.

B. Many people were illiterate and only had the public reading of the Law in the synagogue and the subsequent teaching as a guide.

C. The service began with a recitation of the Shema: excerpts from Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21; and Numbers 15:37-41 followed by a reading of the Law.7 Moses’ seat was a place in the synagogue from which judgments from the Law would be made; the people should adhere to what was taught from the Law of Moses even if the teacher’s life was reprehensible. We would do well to remember this exhortation that God’s word is true and good even if all of the teachers of the gospel are reprobates.

D. They do works to be seen of men

E. Jesus urged the people not to follow the Pharisees’ actions because they did their works as a show—focused on outward action instead of devotion and dedication from the heart.

F. Made their phylacteries large

G. Phylactery: small boxes strapped to the forehead and left arm containing one or all of four verses of the Old Law: Exodus 13:3-10; 11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21. The knots of the leather straps would be tied in the form of Jewish letters which would, together, spell Shaddai—“Almighty”—and would be attached with great ceremony.8 This was a literal rendering of Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Some Pharisees would the boxes large to appear more righteous.

H. Enlarge garment borders

I. Instruction in Numbers 15:38-40 Some Pharisees would make their garment borders large to appear holier than others

J. Special places at feasts and the synagogues

K. There were just a few places at feast tables that were considered prominent so certain people would strive to obtain those places. In contrast to this, Jesus said it is better to sit at a lowly place and be invited to a prominent place than to take the prominent place and be asked to move (Luke 14:10)

L. Special names and public greetings to elevate them above others

M. They wanted men to greet them in public places which, to them, would prove their prominence over others.

N. They liked special names which Jesus condemned.

O. Rabbi

P. Rabbi contains the idea of greatness or a master teacher. Jesus said that they were equal as brethren under Christ, the master teacher—the only true Rabbi. Matthew Henry: [Pharisaic] maxim that ” he who salutes his teacher, and does not call him Rabbi, provokes the divine Majesty to depart from Israel;’’so much religion did they place in that which was but a piece of good manners!9 Father – Only God in heaven was their spiritual father and should be the only one recognized and called such. (Father in spiritual sense)

Q. Teacher

R. They must not align with one teacher, as some were prone to align themselves with certain Rabbis and exalt them as leaders. All knowledge comes from God; though there be great people who teach Scripture whom we respect, our allegiance is to God. Paul condemned division in the Corinthian church as men aligned themselves with certain teachers (Peter, Apollos, Paul) and told them to exalt Jesus only; to do otherwise was carnal, 1 Cor. 3:3-4

IV. Lessons for us

A. We should seek no special names or titles nor exalt others as being closer to God than other brethren.

B. We reject the name “reverend” for man for God alone is reverend. We call no man “father” or “master” in the spiritual realm but God. None of us should seek glory over our brethren.

C. Instead of seeking places of prominence, God’s children should seek opportunities of humble service; selflessness not self-seeking.

D. John 13:12-17 – Jesus served and expects us to serve Philippians 2:3-4 – seek other’s interests1 Peter 5:5-6 – Submit to one another Romans 12:10-13 – preferring and serving one another

E. Our religious service must not be an act or a part we play.

F. True service comes from the heart consecrated to serve God. Christianity is less about what you do and more about who you are; actions, then, are a fruit born from the word of God implanted in the heart. Hebrews 4:11-13 - We may fool everyone in this auditorium, even our family, but our actions and thoughts are laid bare before the eyes of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his listeners to not give to the poor, pray, or fast to bring attention to yourself for “God who sees in secret will reward you openly.” If our deeds are performed to get the praise and admiration of men, we have taken God off of the throne and put our pride in His place.

V. Block entry to the kingdom and will not go in: Matthew 23:13-15

A. Jesus also condemned the Pharisees because they would not enter the kingdom nor allow others to enter.

B. They would not enter

C. From the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry through the teaching of Jesus “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” was a central message. The Pharisees would not listen to John or Jesus and would not embrace the gospel of the kingdom; they rejected Jesus and His teaching.

D. They would not allow others to enter

E. They contradicted Jesus, ascribed His miracles to the work of demons, and finally developed a plot in which Jesus was betrayed and killed. They tried to discredit His teaching so that others would not follow. When the Pharisees made great effort to convert someone, they made him worse than they were themselves—students often exceed their teachers.

F. Ultimately, Jesus was victorious over the Pharisees and their attacks and many became Christians.

G. There are no Pharisees blocking entry to the kingdom today.

H. Non-Christians

I. You may block entry for yourself by not heeding the words of Jesus or dismissing Him without serious examination as the Pharisees did. Examine the evidence for yourself so that you may enter the kingdom of God in which there is peace with Him and forgiveness of sins.

J. Christians

K. Do not block the entrance to the kingdom of God by hypocritical behavior—do not let your life contradict your profession or teaching Do not block the entrance to the kingdom by failing to tell others about it and how to enter through obedience to Jesus.

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A. 1 Foster, R.C. Studies in the Life of Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1971. 46.

B. 2 Bright, John. A History of Israel. Philadelphia: The Westminister Press, 1972. 465-466.

C. 3 Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981. 8,10, 6; p. 281.

D. 4 Ibid . 8, 10, 6; 281.

E. 5 Edersheim, Alfred. The History of the Jewish Nation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, no date. 110

F. 6 Bright: 464.

G. 7 Stauffer, L.A. “The Synagogue.” Truth Magazine May 4, 2000: 26-27

H. 8 Orr, James, ed. “Phylactery” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. 5 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1976.

I. 9 Henry, M. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996, c1991. Mt 23:1.

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