In Biblical times, Pharisees were leaders in synagogues, noted for strict observance of the minutia of rites and ceremonies and for insistence on the validity of traditions concerning written law. They strove to present an outward appearance of being perfect, but inwardly were just as sinful as everyone else.
Jesus portrays the Pharisees as impatient with outward, ritual observance of minutiae which made them look acceptable and virtuous outwardly but left the inner person unreformed. He preached against those who followed the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law, meaning those who followed literal meanings, but not the intent behind them. This “holier than thou” approach and rejection of all things deemed in any way bad is an arrogance and hypocrisy He could not tolerate.
Jesus’ approach is full of both truth and grace, not one without the other. Yes, there are rules, but God is a relational being that sees the sinner and still loves him. The pharisaical approach that focuses only on rules and ritual is one which puts truth over grace and law over love. It is the approach that says, “I love others only if they do what is perfect and right,” instead of, “I’ll love others in spite of their mistakes.” I’ve personally seen it come out in an extreme case from one who said that they were “above such worldly things as logic and reason,” with their nose in the air. Yes, really. I’ve seen others who that the right thing to do is show empathy and humanity, but instead said their hands were tied.
God’s way: Love God. Love your neighbor. The rest falls in there somewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, rules exist for a reason. Some are even for good reason. Hear this though: Jesus never preached law over love. It was a balance. Truth filled with grace.
The Pharisees couldn’t handle that; they thought they were better than Him because of their strict adherence to law. Sadly, not much has changed with how people treat others, and to make matters worse, people are still using religion to back their animosity and coldheartedness – using Jesus, yet leaving Him mostly out of it.
Likely you’ve encountered someone like this in your life. Maybe you are someone like this to others and need a little truth and grace yourself.
Are you an over disciplinarian as a parent or teacher, unable to see the beauty and joy in childhood antics? Are you unyielding and unforgiving toward your family members? Are you a business leader who can only see policy, and never people? Someone with their nose so deep in the Bible or a rulebook that you’ve forgotten to look up and show love to anyone around you? You are who Jesus was preaching against: you are the new Pharisees.
Remember, Pharisees planned to destroy Jesus for showing love, for being love. And unfortunately, they’re still here today. Jesus taught us that the only law was love; it’s time we stopped crucifying people for it.