It is so easy to think the Pharisees are the ‘bad guys’ when reading the Bible but before you do, look at yourself to see if you are like them in even the smallest way. I believe there’s a little Pharisee in all of us. Look at the Apostles for instance. They did some of the same bad things the Pharisees did.
They blocked the way to God for some:
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. (Mt 23:13)
Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her with even a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” (Mt 15:21-23)
Well, so did the apostles … or at least they tried until Christ set them straight:
Then children were brought to Him so He might put His hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them. Then Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this.” (Mt 19:13-14)
The Pharisees were elitists who looked down on people who weren’t one of them:
Then the Pharisees responded to them: “Are you fooled too? Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd, which doesn’t know the law, is accursed!” (Jn 7:47-49)
So did the apostles:
John responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.” (Lk 9:49)
The Pharisees loved having a position of honor and being special:
Woe to you Pharisees! You love the front seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. (Lk 11:43)
They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by people. (Mt 23:6-7)
If we let Him continue in this way, everyone will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation. (Jn 11:48)
So did the apostles:
Then an argument started among them about who would be the greatest of them. (Lk 9:46)
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said, “Teacher, we want You to do something for us if we ask You.” “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked them. They answered Him, “Allow us to sit at Your right and at Your left in Your glory.” … When the other 10 disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. (Mk 10:35-41)
Are you a little like the Pharisees and Apostles in those areas at times?
What about these areas, are you like the Pharisees in any these ways:
- A bit proud, self-righteous, and justifying yourself over others:
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: 10 “Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ … (Lk 18:9-12) (See also Lk 16:15)
- Are you a lover of money like them (Lk 16:14)?
- Are you legalistic but lacking mercy and love?
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel! (Mt 23:23-24)
- Are you judgmental like them criticizing Jesus for eating with sinners (Lk 15:1-2) or thanking God you are not like others you deem inferior (Lk 18:11)
- Are you a hypocrite that looks great on the outside to people but inside are filthy and depraved (Mt 23:3-4; Mt 23:27-28)?
- Do you have mixed up spiritual priorities like them (Mt 23:16-22)?
- Do you make people worse off spiritually for them knowing you like them (Mt 23:15)?
- Are you spiritually blind and unteachable as they were?
There’s some Pharisee in all of us. Look in the mirror and see where you are like them … and change.
The next time you read about the Pharisees, think about how you may be like them … and change.
