The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. Their reactions to Jesus and His teachings are pivotal in understanding the religious and social dynamics of the time. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were essential to maintaining Jewish identity and purity.

Reaction to Jesus' Authority and Teachings

The Pharisees often reacted with skepticism and hostility to Jesus' teachings and actions, perceiving them as a threat to their authority and interpretation of the Law. In Matthew 9:11 , when Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners, the Pharisees questioned His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" This reaction highlights their concern for ritual purity and social boundaries.

In Mark 2:24 , the Pharisees confronted Jesus about His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, saying, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" This incident underscores their strict observance of the Sabbath laws and their view of Jesus as a violator of these sacred traditions.

Reaction to Miracles and Signs

The Pharisees were often skeptical of Jesus' miracles, attributing them to demonic influence rather than divine power. In Matthew 12:24 , after Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man drives out demons." This reaction reveals their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority and their attempt to discredit His ministry.

Reaction to Jesus' Criticism

Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He declared, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." The Pharisees' reaction to such rebukes was one of increased animosity and plotting against Jesus, as seen in Mark 3:6 , "Then the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."

Reaction to Jesus' Claims of Divinity

The Pharisees were particularly incensed by Jesus' claims of divinity and His authority to forgive sins. In John 10:33 , they accused Him of blasphemy, saying, "We are not stoning You for any good work, but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God." This reaction was rooted in their understanding of monotheism and the perceived threat Jesus posed to their religious framework.

Reaction to the Resurrection

After Jesus' resurrection, the Pharisees, along with the chief priests, sought to suppress the truth of the event. In Matthew 28:12-13 , they bribed the soldiers to spread a false report, saying, "You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’" This reaction illustrates their continued resistance to Jesus' message and their efforts to maintain control over the religious narrative.

The Pharisees' reactions to Jesus and His ministry were complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of religious conviction, fear of losing authority, and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. Their interactions with Jesus provide critical insights into the challenges He faced and the fulfillment of His redemptive work.