The Jewish religious leaders believed that a man could be righteous before God by following the Law, which included not only the Mosaic Laws, but also the tradition of the elders (Mark 7:1–13), see Confronting Meaningless Religion. They often misinterpreted the Mosaic Laws. They considered several traditions to be of equal authority with the Mosaic Laws. They were often hypocrites in their practise.
Jesus denounced these leaders (Mat 23:1–36, Mark 7:1-23, 12:38–40,
Luk 11:37–12:1, 20:45–47). They are examples of false leaders.
Jesus said that the Pharisees and the Scribes sat on Moses’ seat
(Mat 23:2, Deu (5 Mos) 17:9–13). But they didn't live up to it.
The Pharisees were often laymen in the background, but had control in the synagogues. They defended the Jewish way of life against all foreign influences.
For them it was important to keep the Law, or at least their interpretation of it.
They were straight legalistic, they believed in the Old Testament but had added
many man-made rules. They were nationalists in politics, they wanted to restore the kingdom to the line of David. They were fundamentalist in their beliefs and belonged to the extreme right politically.
The Scribes were a group of professional experts on the Law, originating in the time of Ezra. They were more concerned of the letter of the Law than the spirit of the
Law. When Herod the Great asked the Scribes where Messiah would be born, they knew it was in Betlehem but showed no interest in visiting him there (Mat 2:1–8). This type of behavior can always be a risk to much Bible knowledge. It's important that it affects the heart, the way of life, and the will to pass it on to others.
There were Scribes among the Pharisees (Mark 2:16a, Luk 5:30a).
A third group was the Sadducees, see Our Resurrection from Death.
A fourth group was the Herodians; closely related to the Pharisees because they had the common goal of getting rid of Jesus (Mark 3:6, 8:15, 12:13, Mat 22:15–17).
The main purpose of the Herodians was to promote the household of Herod's family and because of that they were despised by the Pharisees. Their goal was to keep Herod on the throne. They stood for the acceptance of a Roman way of life, a Gentile way of life. They were strictly a political party and wanted their party to be in power.
See also time 44:14–45:47 in September 2024 Bible Q&A.
Note that the Jews were still living under the Old Covenant which included the
Mosaic Laws. Jesus would later replace it with the New Covenant, see
The Parable of Putting New Wine into Old Wineskins.
Jesus announced this sinful behavior, which can also be seen in our culture today:
- Saying but not obeying. The religious leader preached, but they didn't practice it. (Mat 23:3b, Luk 12:1b).
- Burden people with man-made rules that can't be enforced
(Mat 23:4, Luk 11:46, 20:47, Mark 12:40, Col 2:8, 20–23 (NIV)).
These leaders wanted to enrich themselves at the expense of others. See for example Deu (5 Mos) 23:25 performed on a Sabbath at time 3:56–5:50 in Luke 6 (Part 1) :1-11 • Conflict over the Sabbath. Mercy also triumphs over following rules and regulations, as shown at the end of The Book of Ruth.
Jesus said: "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mat 11:28–30). - Living to impress others (Mat 23:5).
- Loving titles and positions (Mat 23:6–10, Mark 12:38–39, Luk 11:43, 20:46). Jesus is talking about titles given in religious settings, when we exalt people with these kind of names in a religious environment, see The Roman Catholic Church. Jesus said that the greatest among them is he who serves (Mat 23:11), see Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Mat 23:12), see 3) Blessed are the meek in
The Sermon on the Mount. - Prevent others from coming to Christ (Mat 23:13, Luk 11:52). It can be due to false teaching, but also due to careless and reckless behavior towards other people. We need to be loving. God didn't send his Son to condemn the world (John 3:17a). It takes the Holy Spirit to live a life of righteousness, grace, and goodness, see Sanctification.
- Perpetuating individuals who have lost their condition, rather than bringing them to the knowledge of Jesus (Mat 23:15), see Salvation.
- Pervert what is truly valuable (Mat 23:16–22).
- Getting lost in legalistic details while ignoring the heart and spirit of God's word (Mat 23:23, Luk 11:42). Showing mercy triumphs over rules and regulations even under the Old Covenant (Mat 12:3–4, 7, 11–12,
Mark 2:25–26, Luk 6:3–4, 9, Micah 6:8, 7:18, Tit 3:4–5, Col 3:13), see
The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. As Christians we are
living under the New Covenant, see Legalism at the end part of
The Book of Colossians. - Making righteousness a mere outward pursuit
(Mat 23:25–26, Luk 11:38–41, Mark 7:2–5, 15–23).
A change in a person's life must start from within the person. - To convey an outward spirituality while actually corrupting others
(Mat 23:27–28). - Self-righteous superiority (Mat 23:29–36), see The Pharisee and the Tax Collector. They look at other people's sin, saying they won't do it,
point fingers at them, see Dealing With Sin in the Church.
