The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often come into conflict with Jesus Christ. The Pharisees are characterized by their outward display of morality and piety, which, while impressive to many, is critiqued by Jesus for lacking genuine inward righteousness.

Adherence to the Law and Traditions

The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of the Mosaic Law, as well as the oral traditions that had developed over centuries. They believed that strict adherence to these laws and traditions was essential for maintaining purity and holiness. This is evident in their practices concerning the Sabbath, tithing, fasting, and ritual purity. Jesus acknowledges their dedication to the law in Matthew 23:23 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness."

Outward Displays of Piety

The Pharisees were known for their public displays of piety, which included wearing phylacteries and tassels, praying in public places, and fasting with visible signs of distress. These actions were intended to demonstrate their devotion to God and to set an example for others. However, Jesus criticized these practices as being more about seeking human approval than genuine devotion. In Matthew 6:5 , Jesus warns, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward."

Hypocrisy and Inward Corruption

Despite their outward appearance of righteousness, Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and inward corruption. He accused them of being more concerned with external appearances than with the condition of their hearts. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "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. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Focus on Minor Details

The Pharisees' focus on minor details of the law often led them to miss the broader, more significant principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus highlights this in Matthew 23:24 : "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." This metaphor illustrates their tendency to concentrate on trivial matters while neglecting the weightier aspects of the law.

Conflict with Jesus

The Pharisees' emphasis on outward morality and their resistance to Jesus' teachings led to frequent confrontations with Him. They often challenged His authority and sought to trap Him with questions about the law. Jesus, in turn, exposed their hypocrisy and called for a deeper, more authentic righteousness that begins in the heart. In Matthew 5:20 , Jesus states, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Legacy and Lessons

The Pharisees serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of prioritizing external religious observance over genuine inner transformation. Their account underscores the importance of aligning one's heart with God's will and pursuing a righteousness that is not merely performative but deeply rooted in love, justice, and mercy.Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:5,6
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
... the outward forms of religion, as the Pharisees did; and ... Your outwardly moral man
is often a hardened rebel against ... His pride of character helps to harden him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/jesus angry with hard hearts.htm

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ...
... promise than that implied in his word and character. ... to these husbandmen, the chief
priests and Pharisees could only ... to all; but it may outwardly accepted, and ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the third day.htm

The True Sign
... in the meal, permeating and transforming the character. ... in a great degree by the
reasoning of the Pharisees. ... Even the disciples, though outwardly they had left ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

The Wise and Foolish virgins
... unworthy of one's position or character; refuse scornfully ... Pharisees are and will
be offended at my ... You may, perhaps, live honest and outwardly moral lives, but ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the wise and foolish virgins.htm

Controversy
... for the Sadducees to concede outwardly to their ... human power for that transformation
of character which can ... would give still further offense to the Pharisees. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm

Robert Hall -- Marks of Love to God
... not of that world to which they outwardly belong"not ... constant argument of Jesus Christ
to those Pharisees whom He ... It is the character of faith to dwell much ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/robert hall marks of.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... persons who made a false show, "but outwardly they are ... of Jesus Christ, who had assumed
the character of high ... the Scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

The Three Parables of Warning: to the Individual, to the Nation ...
... established (as before explained) its utterly hopeless character. ... a Sabbath-meal
of the Pharisees, when they ... for the rich - whether such outwardly, or mentally ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the three parables.htm

For they Loved the Praise of Men More than the Praise of God. John ...
... unpopular with the scribes and pharisees, and principal ... when they do the same things,
outwardly, which those ... sight of God, of an entirely different character. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/for they loved the praise.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... in these four things a man's character might be ... to believe that Jesus, like the
Pharisees, appeared wearing ... want of this touch in not outwardly-perceived help ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

If Jesus condemned the Pharisees for praying out loud, should we pray aloud? | GotQuestions.org

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