Pharisees figure prominently in the New Testament and Jesus hardly had a good word for them. He called them a brood of snakes, blind guides, hypocrites; he accused them of honouring their traditions more than God's commandments; he said their worship was a farce; he accused them of giving alms just to be noticed; he said they didn't practice what they taught; he criticised them for making an outward show of goodness whilst being filthy inside; he accused them of being scrupulous about pointless minutiae whilst neglecting more important issues of the Law. You could get the impression that Jesus didn't approve of the Pharisees!
Alliance
Apart from reporting the
specific criticisms Jesus made about them, the Gospel stories show that the Pharisees were in a partnership
of convenience with the political party known as the Herodians. Pharisees didn't approve of the morals
of King Herod or his supporters, but they were willing to compromise with them to gain leverage with the
forces of government. It was an unholy alliance. Pharisees were in league with the group that plotted
to put Jesus to death.
False
Surprising though it may seem,
there are notable similarities between Pharisaic and Christian doctrine. That comes through in some of
the stories in the "Acts of the Apostles", and even more in some of the stories St Paul relates in his
letters. So, where would you expect to find the "pharisees" of today? In churches, of course. In the
parable of "The wheat and the tares" NOTE 1, Jesus warned that the "enemy" would plant false believers amongst
God's true flock. Is it really possible to have correct doctrine but be fighting on the wrong side?
St James gave the conclusive answer to that question:
"You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that - and tremble with fear." NOTE 2
Know
It's not doctrinal correctness,
but personal commitment to Jesus, that makes a true disciple. The Pharisees were noted for their rigid
morality, and their meticulous observation of the Law. But neither rigidity nor meticulousness figure
amongst the fruit of the Spirit.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." NOTE 3
The fruit of the Spirit is not the product of our efforts, but the outcome of God's grace working in us.
The classic pharisaical error in these days, as much as in biblical times, is to rely on good behaviour to e
arn God's approval. But we can never do enough good for that. Christians are called to holiness, and our
good attitudes and behaviour are vitally important. But, when we stand before God's judgement, the only
plea that will save us is the testimony of Jesus saying, "I know this person".
Apostle
We tend to think of the
Pharisees simply as a bad lot. But the picture isn't as black and white as it seems. Some of them
were more sincere. A couple of the Pharisees mentioned in the Gospels were secret followers of Jesus.
Those two eventually acknowledged Jesus openly - on the day he died. Nicodemus NOTE 4, and Joseph of Aramathea
buried Jesus, with great care, in a tomb that Joseph had prepared for himself. They weren't the only
members of that party to declare for Christ. A number of Pharisees joined the disciples publicly in
the years following the Resurrection, and one of them, Saul of Tarsus, became the Apostle Paul.
Genuine
There have always been
#false disciples in the church. In a great medieval classic, the writer said, "Many there are who
count how long it is since their conversion; and yet full slender is the fruit of amendment of life" NOTE 5
There are also those who are scrupulous about rules and ceremonies and condemn those who don't stick
to their petty rules. Rule keeping is not a mark of true discipleship. There are people who claim
to be followers of the One who said, "love your enemies" but hate even fellow Christians who differ
on minor points of doctrine. Theological correctness is not proof of genuine faith. Love is the
true identifier.
Model
The full range of Christian
virtues is summed up in love. Modern day "pharisees" often show themselves up in debates about outward
morality. They tend to be the strongest advocates of censure, and the least ready to show mercy or
forgiveness. "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees" (or "Watch out for the yeast...") NOTE 6, said Jesus.
Watch out for legalists. Don't be taken in by people who talk good doctrine but lack love and mercy.
Follow the humble person rather than the one who boasts certainty. Don't be stained by the attitudes
of the Pharisees. Don't hate them, but rather pray for them because they can change. True disciples
model their lives on just one person - none other than Jesus.