The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the time of Jesus Christ. Known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders, the Pharisees held significant influence over the religious life of the Jewish people. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus and His teachings.

Christ's Critique of the Pharisees

Jesus Christ's interactions with the Pharisees are marked by His criticism of their hypocrisy and legalism. He often rebuked them for their outward displays of piety that masked inner corruption. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as an "evil and adulterous generation" (Matthew 12:39). This strong language underscores His condemnation of their spiritual infidelity and moral decay.

Evil and Adulterous Generation

The term "evil and adulterous generation" is used by Jesus to describe those who demand signs and miracles as proof of His divine authority, yet remain unrepentant and unbelieving. In Matthew 12:38-39, the Pharisees and teachers of the law ask Jesus for a sign, to which He responds, "A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" . Here, Jesus highlights their spiritual blindness and unwillingness to accept the truth of His message.

Hypocrisy and Legalism

Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they focused on external observance of the law while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" against the Pharisees, calling them "blind guides" and "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:24, 27). He accuses them of cleaning the outside of the cup and dish while the inside is full of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

Adulterous in Spirit

The term "adulterous" in this context is understood to mean unfaithful to God. The Pharisees, in their pursuit of religious status and power, had forsaken the true spirit of the law, which is love for God and neighbor. Their spiritual adultery is seen in their rejection of Jesus, the Messiah, and their failure to recognize the fulfillment of the Scriptures in Him.

The Sign of Jonah

Jesus' reference to the "sign of the prophet Jonah" points to His own death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the great fish, so would the Son of Man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40). This sign, the ultimate proof of His divine mission, would be given to the generation that sought a sign, yet many would still refuse to believe.

Conclusion

The Pharisees, as depicted in the New Testament, serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of religious hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. Jesus' rebuke of them as an "evil and adulterous generation" highlights the importance of genuine faith and repentance, calling all believers to examine their hearts and live in true obedience to God.Matthew 12:39
But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Why Jesus Called them an Adulterous Generation. The Law as Husband ...
... but "adulterous" because that when the Pharisees and Sadducees ... which also on account
of it is called an adulteress ... the law, but acts like to Christ, who, though ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/4 why jesus called them.htm

The Leaven of the Pharisees
... in the wheat harvest; and Elijah had called down fire ... have meant by the leaven of
the Pharisees but the ... Did not Philip presently, when Christ spoke of seeing ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 11-21 the leaven of.htm

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
... it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for ... whale" is "sea monster." It
is called in Jonah ... emphatically indicate the actual burial of Christ.] ^c 30 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlix sign seekers and the.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... "Then certain of the Scribes and Pharisees answered Him ... And He called it "adulterous,"
declaring both their former ... Therefore neither was Christ in the heart of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

The Signs of the Times
... he, nor the generality of Christians, so called, saw any ... of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ. ... we accounted for that of the Pharisees and Sadducees ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 66 the signs of.htm

Jesus Before Annas.
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. ... all began to speak at once:"'He has
called himself king ... says that God is his Father; that the Pharisees are an ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter vi jesus before annas.htm

The Answer of Jesus to their Request.
... He might show it from heaven, to the Pharisees and Sadducees ... that the sign of the
resurrection of Christ came ... the dead; and that which is called circumcision is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/3 the answer of jesus.htm

Signs and Wonders.
... not have performed, before Scribes and Pharisees, Herod, and ... Perhaps Christ is coming,
and the end of the ... other prodigies, as they were called, were carefully ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xix signs and wonders.htm

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
... thirty-two Abhoth hattumeoth, as they are called. ... watchfulness of the Scribes and
Pharisees, who now for ... deputation that the opposition to Christ, which now ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv second journey through.htm

The Social Test of Religion
... thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting ... correct religious performances as the
Pharisees thought, and ... and evolution, with the voice of Christ pleading for ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ix the social test.htm

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org

Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus