In the first article on The Pharisees Today, we explored six characteristics that define them. In this second article, we will continue by examining other traits that are unique to them.
The goal is not to point fingers at the Pharisees around us, but to examine if, at times, such behavior might manifest in ourselves. If we desire to be friends of the Lord, we cannot live like the Pharisees. By adopting their attitude, we risk missing out on spiritual awakening.
The way of life of the Pharisees is so subtle that we need the grace of the Lord to discern their traits and attitudes within ourselves. The very foundation of their lifestyle is based on opposition to the Lord’s teaching, motivated by the pursuit of human approval.
« And he said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men, but Elohim knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of Elohim. » Loukas (Luke) 16:15
It is therefore not about hiding one’s flaws to appear righteous in the eyes of men, but rather seeking what is pleasing to the Lord, even if it does not please those around us.
Thus, it is essential to constantly ask ourselves: « What I am doing, is it for others, for myself, or for the Lord? »
1. The Pharisees love money
« But the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things and they mocked him. » Loukas (Luke) 16:14
The Pharisees were lovers of money, which explained why their message was flawed. Although they were considered the guardians of the nation’s spiritual life, their attachment to money led them to prioritize their own interests instead of placing the Lord and their neighbor first.
They were ready to help their sheep on the Sabbath, but condemned the Lord when He performed a miracle on that same day. The Pharisees did not hesitate to despise the poor to protect their interests. They scorned those without means and sought the approval of the rich.
«But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive a greater condemnation.» Mattithyah ( Matthew) 23:14
For them, money is their main concern, relegating the interests of the Lord to second place. They even go so far as to measure divine blessing based on what is in their bank account.
2. The Pharisees preach things they do not live.
« Then Yeshua spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying: The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore, do and observe whatever they tell you, but do not do according to their works, for they say and do not do. » Mattithyah (Matthew) 23:1-3
The Pharisees encourage and teach others truths they do not practice themselves. They possess knowledge they are unable to translate into concrete actions. They preach faith, but succumb as soon as trials arise. They preach patience, but the very next day act in ways that contradict their own words. They exhort humility for others, but do not even strive to apply it to themselves. They have beautiful speeches, but their actions contradict what they teach.
When we do the opposite of what we ask others to do, we are also acting like the Pharisees. That is why we must not stop at the words of the one who preaches well, but observe the fruits that they bear.
3. The Pharisees do not ask questions to learn, but to test
« And the Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and said to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason? » Mattithyah (Matthew) 19:3
Most often, the Pharisees asked questions to test the Lord, to trap Him, and not in order to learn. Similarly, when we ask questions with an intent other than to learn from the Lord—whether it is to show our desire to learn in front of others or to impress with complex questions—we are acting like the Pharisees.
4. The Pharisees rely on themselves, not on the Lord
« Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing and praying thus with himself, ‘Elohim, I thank You that I am not like other men: extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘Elohim, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted» Loukas (Luke) 18:10-14
The Pharisees focus on their works rather than on the grace of the Lord. They act by themselves instead of allowing the Lord to work through them. Filled with pride, even their prayers reflect their own importance. They believe they deserve things, relying on their own efforts rather than on the work of the cross. Although they may sometimes claim that everything is grace, deep down, they see themselves as the true actors.
5. The Pharisees do not understand the word of the Lord.
«And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but Elohim alone? » Loukas (Luke) 5:21
«Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from Elohim, because he does not keep the Sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How can a sinner do such signs?’ And there was division among them.» Yohanan (John) 9:16
The Pharisees thought they knew the truth, but they often became confused in many human reasonings. Knowing Greek, Hebrew, or being able to do research is not enough to understand the Lord’s doctrine.
Many believe that speaking fluent French, or consulting a dictionary or website in Hebrew or Greek, is enough to grasp the Lord’s message. However, the Lord’s message is primarily spiritual, and the Pharisees missed it.
Paul stated that it was by revelation that he received the Gospel (Galatians 1:12). To understand the Lord’s Word, we must maintain intimacy with Him, for He is the one who opens our mind to enable us to understand the Scriptures.
6. The Pharisees do everything to be noticed
«And they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.» Mattithyah (Matthew) 23:2-3
The Pharisees do not like to go unnoticed. They always seek to be noticed, whether through a question, clothing, or a way of doing things. They do not allow the Lord to recommend them, but instead commend themselves to others. Their speech sometimes reflects an attitude of superiority. They give examples only to draw attention to themselves. They do not know how to respect others or recognize their limits. In reality, the Pharisees are filled with themselves.
7. The Pharisees did not associate with Sinners
« And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Yeshua heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. » Mattithyah (Matthew) 9:11-12
« And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.» Loukas (Luke) 15: 2
You can read also: Markos (Mark) 2:16 / Loukas (Luke) 7:39
The Pharisees believed that spirituality depended on staying away from sinners. To them, a truly spiritual person could not eat with sinners. They always preferred to stay with people in their circle, avoiding those they deemed less spiritual. They liked to be surrounded by pious people to be associated with that piety.
Even today, some try to get closer to a preacher or an elder to show that they are mature. For today’s Pharisees, just knowing an elder is enough to make you appear spiritual in their eyes. They sometimes come to despise new converts or non-believers.
In contrast, the Lord lived close to those who were sick and in need. He did not hesitate to relate to those whom the Pharisees despised. The Pharisees, on the other hand, value those who preach but neglect brothers who do not preach. They give importance to those who are known but ignore those who are not.
The Pharisees judge by appearances, basing their judgments on external actions rather than the inner life. Their hearts are often filled with bitterness, while on the surface, they seem the happiest.
This does not mean we should encourage mixing with false brethren or allowing ourselves to be corrupted by bad company. It is rather about understanding that the Father desires to save souls, and many of these souls are still in the world. True spirituality is not about appearance, but begins inside us.
« I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case, you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?» 1 Corinthians 5:9-12
While the Word urges us to stay away from false brethren, the Pharisees, on the other hand, gladly welcomed their peers, even when they opposed the Lord, while rejecting Sinners. The Pharisees stayed among themselves, living in sin and clinging to their traditions. They did not associate with sinners, although they themselves were no better.
8. A Pharisee can convert
Many become Pharisees out of ignorance or because they are victims of a system. Some are Pharisees because they refuse to die to themselves and live according to their flesh. Others, however, are Pharisees because they have willingly chosen this path. Unfortunately, the way of the Pharisees leads to perdition. The Lord therefore invites us to return to Him, to the simplicity of the Gospel.
« Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for the sake of Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith, » Philippians 3:5-9
If we cannot live the Kingdom with a heart full of thorns, as was the case with the Pharisees, it is still possible to change. The Lord Yeshua came to give us life, and He is the only one capable of transforming a bitter or proud heart. He can deliver us from a life of Pharisaism and allow us to walk with Him in a heart-to-heart relationship!
It is a choice: to live by the Spirit or according to the flesh, to live for the Lord or for the world. It is a decision between material wealth and eternal riches, between Yeshua and men, between our own will and submission to the Word.
It is possible to make the right choice, it is possible to live differently, let us return to the Father. Let us return to the practice of heavenly life. Let us be like Yeshua!
Shalom and Grace!
Y. Gerol